Source: BBC News [UK State Media]
“The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have signed ceasefire deal in Qatar to end fighting between the warring sides. Dubbed the Declaration of Principles, Saturday’s agreement seen by the BBC, says both sides must refrain from attacks, ‘hate propaganda’ and ‘any attempt to seize by force new positions on the ground.’ The declaration is intended as a roadmap towards a permanent settlement. The two sides agreed to implement the deal’s terms by July 29. A final peace deal is due by 18 August and must align with last month’s US-brokered deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, which denies accusations it backs M23. Decades of conflict escalated earlier this year when M23 rebels seized control of large parts of the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo including the regional capital, Goma, the city of Bukavu and two airports.” (07/19/25)