DRC and M23 Rebel Group Sign Ceasefire Monitoring Agreement

On October 14, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group signed an agreement in Doha, Qatar, to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. This development follows mediation efforts by Qatar and aims to oversee the implementation of a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo.

The monitoring body will include representatives from the DRC government, M23, and the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO) will provide logistical support, while observers from the African Union, Qatar, and the United States will participate.

The M23 rebel group, predominantly Tutsi, emerged in 2012, claiming to defend the rights of Congolese Tutsis. The group has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a charge that Kigali denies. The conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and thousands killed.

In June 2025, the DRC and Rwanda signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement in Washington, D.C., aiming to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo. However, the M23 was not included in that agreement and rejected its terms. Subsequent negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar, have sought to address this exclusion and work towards a comprehensive peace deal.

The ceasefire monitoring body is tasked with investigating ceasefire violations and is expected to convene within seven days of its creation. MONUSCO will assist with logistics but will not have an operational role, aligning with M23’s concerns about its impartiality. Observers from the African Union, Qatar, and the U.S. will also participate.

Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya announced the agreement, stating that it marks a significant step toward peace after years of conflict in eastern Congo. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the agreement, highlighting the importance of the monitoring body in ensuring the implementation of the ceasefire.

The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. A recent survey by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) revealed that nearly 90% of 240 health facilities in North and South Kivu provinces have run out of medicines due to ongoing conflict, widespread looting, and disrupted supply chains. The healthcare crisis is further compounded by staff shortages affecting 40% of facilities, with 13% completely nonfunctional.

Despite the agreement, challenges remain. Previous peace deals have failed to hold, and there is skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of this agreement. Analysts note that the success of the U.S.-led agreement is contingent on the DRC-M23 peace talks. Additionally, the DRC's inability to control allied militia groups in the eastern DRC may contribute to further clashes.

The establishment of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism is a crucial step toward resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, which has resulted in substantial humanitarian crises and regional instability. The involvement of international actors like Qatar and the U.S. underscores the global significance of achieving peace in the region.

While the agreement to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism is a positive development, the path to lasting peace in eastern Congo remains fraught with challenges. The effectiveness of this mechanism will be critical in determining the success of the ceasefire and the broader peace process.