Fragile hope: DRC and M23 rebels announce surprise ceasefire

In a surprising breakthrough,the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to an “immediate” ceasefire,pledging to suspend hostilities while peace talks continue in Qatar.

The joint announcement,issued late Wednesday (23 April),marks the first formal commitment to peace after multiple failed ceasefires since 2021. The truce follows intense Qatari-brokered negotiations and comes after M23 fighters seized major cities in eastern Congo,including Goma and Bukavu,earlier this year. Though similar agreements have collapsed in the past,both parties now say they are committed to halting violence until talks conclude. “This is a crucial step towards ending the violence,” said Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prevot in a statement.

Despite the pledge,clashes were still reported in South Kivu province,underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire. Analysts warn that unresolved disputes — such as the release of prisoners with alleged M23 or Rwandan ties — could derail progress. M23,comprised largely of ethnic Tutsis and accused of receiving support from Rwanda,has long been at the heart of a conflict with deep roots in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kigali denies involvement. Qatar’s surprise diplomatic push has been praised,especially after hosting secretive talks between Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame last month. Further negotiations in Doha are expected in the coming weeks.