The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 militia finalized a new peace framework in Qatar aimed at ending long-running violence in the country’s eastern provinces. Backed by mediation from Qatar, the U.S., and the African Union, negotiators have sought to halt a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands since the 1990s and allowed M23 to seize major towns. Although similar agreements were signed in July, both sides have accused each other of violating previous ceasefires. The newly signed Doha Framework outlines eight thematic areas addressing the roots of the conflict, which will be negotiated further before a comprehensive peace agreement is finalized. An M23 representative, Benjamin Mbonimpa, said the framework contained no binding provisions and would not alter conditions on the ground for now.
