Congo and rebels have committed to ending war in the east. Here’s what to know

In a significant development, rebels backed by Congo and Rwanda have come together to sign a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo. This region has been plagued by ethnic tensions and a struggle for valuable minerals, leading to one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts with thousands of lives lost this year.

The African Union has hailed the signing of this declaration, facilitated by Qatar, as a major step towards peace. The agreement aims to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a comprehensive peace settlement.

However, conflicting interpretations of key points in the declaration have already emerged, with the Congolese government emphasizing the rebels’ withdrawal from seized territories, including the city of Goma, while the M23 rebels refute this claim.

This declaration marks the first direct commitment by both parties since the rebels, with the support of Rwanda, captured two key cities earlier this year. It includes provisions for trust-building measures such as a prisoner exchange and restoring state authority in all regions, including those under rebel control.

The signing sets the stage for negotiations towards a final peace agreement to be finalized by August 18, aligning with a U.S.-brokered deal signed between Congo and Rwanda in June. Both the U.S.-facilitated talks and the Qatar-led peace process are converging, with hopes of ending the conflict that has claimed millions of lives since the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

The conflict in Congo has been fueled by various interests, particularly the lucrative minerals in the region. The involvement of international players like the U.S. and China further complicates the situation, with economic motivations often overshadowing humanitarian concerns.

As the peace process moves forward, the international community must ensure that justice and reparations are integral components of the rebuilding efforts in Congo, as emphasized by local residents like Amani Muisa in Goma.