DRC and M23 reach historic ceasefire deal in Qatar to end long-standing conflict
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed armed group M23 signed a ceasefire deal on Saturday to end fighting that has devastated the country's mineral-rich but conflict-torn east.
The truce was agreed in a Declaration of Principles signed by the two sides after three months of talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, which follows a separate Congolese-Rwandan peace deal signed in Washington last month.
"The Parties commit to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire," including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions", a statement said.
The African Union hailed it as a "significant development", adding: "This... marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region".
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Trump says he will help Afghans stuck in UAE
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he will help Afghans detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for years after fleeing their country when the US pulled out and the Taliban took power. Trump, who promised a far-reaching immigration crackdown, suspended refugee resettlement after he took office in January. In April, the Trump administration terminated temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans in the US. "I will try to save them, starting now," Trump said in a post on Truth Social that linked to an article on the Afghans held in limbo there. He cited news website Just the News as saying UAE officials were preparing to hand over some Afghan refugees to the Taliban. Reuters has not confirmed the report. The US state department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The UAE, a close security partner of the US, agreed in 2021 to temporarily house several thousand Afghans evacuated from Kabul as the Taliban ousted the US-backed government during the final stages of the US-led withdrawal. Nearly 200,000 Afghans were brought to the US by former president Joe Biden's administration since the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Kabul. Canada agreed in 2022 to resettle about 1,000 of the Afghans held in the UAE after a US request. It is unclear how many remain in the Gulf country.
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Wondering why the G20 matters? Moneyweb launches podcast to break it down
'This podcast is about helping South Africans make sense of how those decisions affect our economy and our future.' Ever wondered why you, as an ordinary South African, should care about the G20? Moneyweb is launching its G20-focused podcast called 'Mandates and Megaphones' to unpack major themes shaping the summit. The G20 summit is an annual meeting of heads of state and government from the world's largest economies, along with the European Union and the African Union, to discuss and coordinate on pressing global issues. The podcast, set to air every Monday from 21 July, hosted by Jeremy Maggs, will explore G20 themes such as debt, diplomacy, and climate justice, as well as global trade tensions, digital transformation, infrastructure gaps, and Africa's voice at the table. ALSO READ: G20 finance officials say downside risks dominate global economic outlook – IMF Moneyweb on G20 Ryk van Niekerk, editor of Moneyweb, said new episodes will come out every Monday, tracking the political, economic, and diplomatic developments leading up to the Summit. South Africa is the only African country to be a permanent member of the G20, making it the first African country to host the summit. The actual event is scheduled to take place between 22 and 23 November in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Mandates and Megaphones will host high-profile guests and unpack behind-the-scenes insights to explain what the summit means for South Africa. G20 is more than a gathering 'The G20 is more than just a diplomatic gathering; it's a battleground of mandates, influence, and priorities,' said Maggs. 'This podcast is about helping South Africans make sense of how those decisions affect our economy and our future.' Episodes will be released until the summit concludes at the end of November 2025 and can be streamed on various platforms, including the Moneyweb app. ALSO READ: Trump to be given extra security in SA: 'Some animals are more equal than others' More than a media product 'With South Africa stepping onto the world stage as G20 host, this podcast is more than just a media product – it's a space for meaningful dialogue,' said Van Niekerk. 'The series will explore both public and private sector perspectives on Africa's evolving economic role.' The G20 comprises 19 individual countries and two regional bodies, the European Union and the African Union, totalling 21 members. The 19 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Why the G20 matters The G20, founded in 1999, initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to include, among other things, trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment, and anti-corruption. 'The role of the G20 in creating the foundation for global economic stability, a vital catalyst for economic development and implementing consequential global commitments such as the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030) cannot be overstated,' reads the Forum's website. NOW READ: Here is how SMEs can take advantage of the G20 and B20 summits
TimesLIVE
9 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
DRC, M23 rebels pledge in Qatar to reach peace deal next month
The rebel group M23, in the latest of a series of uprisings, has controlled Goma, eastern DRC's largest city, since late January and has also made gains across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Rwanda has long denied allegations that it has helped M23, which has seized more territory in DRC than it has ever previously held. The fighting has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year, while escalating the risk of a full-scale regional war. Several of DRC's neighbours had troops deployed in eastern DRC when the advance began. Qatar's minister of state for foreign affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said at a news conference Saturday's declaration "lays the groundwork for a new phase of partnership among the various components of society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — including armed movements that have chosen to prioritise the greater national interest". It was brought about by talks that followed a surprise meeting between Tshisekedi and Kagame, brokered by Qatar in March, during which they called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire. DRC had previously rejected the idea of holding talks with M23, branding it a terrorist group. While denying it has supported M23, Rwanda has said its forces have acted in self-defence against DRC's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. POINTS OF CONTENTION Sources in both delegations have expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations in Doha and the lack of progress on confidence-building measures including the release of M23 members held by DRC and the re-opening of banks in rebel-held territory. The declaration of principles does not resolve those issues, instead committing the parties to "creating the necessary conditions" to eventually do so. It also does not address bigger questions concerning the possible Rwandan and M23 withdrawals from eastern DRC. It says DRC and M23 agree state authority should be restored "on all national territories" as part of an eventual peace agreement but does not give details. DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya nevertheless said on X on Saturday that the declaration "takes into account the red lines we have always defended, including the non-negotiable withdrawal" of M23. Negotiations for a peace agreement are to start no later than August 8, according to the declaration, which would give the parties less than two weeks to finalise a deal if they stick to their new August 18 deadline. "We are confident and we are hopeful," Massad Boulos, Trump's senior adviser for Africa, told Reuters after Saturday's ceremony in Doha, adding that Tshiskedi and Kagame "have both committed to resolving this".
