Overview

• The ceasefire took effect on July 21, committing both sides to halt hostilities indefinitely and bar new territorial advances by force.
• Direct talks are set to conclude a full peace treaty by August 18 under the framework of the Doha declaration.
• The agreement outlines steps to restore state authority across eastern provinces, but M23 has refused to withdraw until deeper conflict causes are addressed.
• The African Union praised the deal as a key milestone, building on a late-June Washington accord between DR Congo and Rwanda.
• Despite backing from the US, Qatar and the AU, lingering mistrust and disputed withdrawal terms cast doubt on the truce’s durability.