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Congo and rwanda -backed rebel group M23 signed a framework agreement on Saturday for a peace deal to end decades of fighting in eastern Congo, but tensions remain between the two sides.
the agreement that was signed Doha After mediation by QueueThis is not yet a final peace agreement, but rather a framework outlining protocols and a timeline for future discussions, Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, said in a video posted on Twitter.
Mbonimpa said the framework agreement includes eight protocols that address the ‘root causes’ of the conflict and would be discussed in the coming weeks. He did not give further information.
“Until the protocols are debated, negotiated and discussed one by one and a final peace agreement is reached, there will be neither any change in the situation nor any activity on the ground,” the head of the M23 delegation said.
Rebel spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press that a main objective of the framework agreement is the joint management of rebel-held areas by the Congolese government and the M23.
Backed by neighboring Rwanda, M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control of Congo’s mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the United Nations has called the conflict “one of the longest, most complex, most severe humanitarian crises on earth.”
Earlier this year, rebels captured Goma and Bukavu, two major cities in eastern Congo, in a major escalation of the decade-long conflict.
Qatar has hosted several rounds of talks between the Congolese government and rebels since April, mainly to set preconditions for a peace deal and agree confidence-building steps, but both sides still accuse the other of dragging out the conflict.
In July, Congo and the M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar calling for an end to the conflict and a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by rebels and a prisoner exchange.
Both sides agreed to finalize a peace agreement before August 18, but missed that deadline, accusing each other of violating peace terms.
In October, both sides agreed to establish a monitoring body for a possible permanent ceasefire.
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President donald trumpAttended the ceremony in Doha and called the framework agreement a “starting point”.
Calling it a “historic” occasion, he said, “This is only the beginning, but we know the end result will be very fruitful.”
The Trump administration has led mediation efforts between Rwanda – which is accused of supporting the M23 – and Congo, resulting in the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries in June.
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Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.