Overview

• The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels issued a joint statement reaffirming an immediate cessation of hostilities and commitment to a permanent truce.
• The agreement follows Qatar-mediated negotiations, including a surprise meeting in March between Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame.
• Since January, M23 has captured key eastern cities, Goma and Bukavu, in a conflict that has killed thousands and displaced millions.
• Negotiations remain stalled over confidence-building measures, such as the release of prisoners, while fighting has resumed in the strategic Walikale territory.
• The truce marks the latest in a series of ceasefire attempts since 2021, all of which have previously collapsed, underscoring the fragility of the current agreement.