'Significant efforts' made in DR Congo, M23 peace talks: Qatari official
Congolese people carry their belongings as they flee from their villages around Sake in Masisi territory, following clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) on February 7, 2024.
'Significant efforts have been made' to advance the peace process between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, DRC media reported on Sunday, citing diplomatic sources. However, the process is behind schedule due to escalating fighting on the ground.
A Qatari official involved in the mediation told the DRC news outlet Actualite.cd that a draft peace agreement had been prepared and shared with both parties within the framework of the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on July 19. The roadmap called for negotiations to begin by August 8 and for a final deal to be reached by August 18, but these deadlines have already passed.
