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yesterday

M23 Advances Breach Doha Ceasefire in Eastern Congo

Weak enforcement of the Doha ceasefire is exposed through M23’s refusal to withdraw coupled with fresh civilian killings.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Congolese Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in the Oval Office, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio watch, in Washington, June 27, 2025 (AP photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta).

Overview

  • The Doha Declaration of Principles took effect on July 19 without a binding withdrawal clause and M23 leaders have publicly refused to pull back from seized positions.
  • Rebel offensives around Bukera have extended M23 control and led to at least 19 civilian deaths in direct violation of the ceasefire terms.
  • The US State Department issued an updated security advisory for the DRC capital and eastern provinces, urging nationals to stay vigilant, avoid large gatherings and prepare essential supplies.
  • Analysts warn the declaration’s ambiguous wording and lack of oversight mirror past failed accords, making lasting peace in the Great Lakes region unlikely.
  • Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani praises recent diplomatic progress and says the country is ‘close to peace,’ while conceding that implementation will demand sustained effort.