The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda are set to submit a draft agreement aimed at ending the war in eastern Congo, following weeks of negotiations mediated by Qatar.

The agreement, which aligns with the Declaration of Principles signed in Washington last week, is expected to address key issues such as territorial sovereignty, armed groups, the mineral trade, refugee protections, and the role of international forces, particularly MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission.

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Heightened Tensions

Delegations from Kinshasa and Kigali have convened in Doha in an effort to resolve their long-standing disputes, with Massad Boulous, the U.S. president’s envoy for Africa, joining representatives from Togo and France to facilitate discussions.

The urgency behind these negotiations follows major territorial losses for the Congolese government, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of two provincial capitals in eastern Congo earlier this year. This development forced Kinshasa to reconsider its stance on dialogue, engaging with M23 in a bid to restore stability.

A Path Toward Resolution?

While hopes for a breakthrough remain high, skepticism persists regarding the implementation of any proposed deal, given the complexity of political and economic interests tied to the conflict. The mineral-rich region has been a battleground for years, with armed groups vying for control amid regional power struggles.

As discussions unfold, the international community awaits further details on the framework of the draft agreement and its potential impact on the long-suffering civilian population in eastern Congo.

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