In a major step toward peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 political-military group have agreed on a mechanism to verify compliance with the ceasefire.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, October 14, in Doha, following weeks of tough negotiations, some of which took place remotely, others on the ground in DRC.
Chief negotiator René Abandi signed for the AFC/M23, while Sumbu Sita, a high representative of President Félix Tshisekedi, signed on behalf of the Congolese government.
The talks were led by Qatar, with backing from the United States and the African Union. Also present was veteran mediator Zahabi Ould Sidi Mohamed, former Foreign Minister of Mali.
Under the new mechanism, both sides will have equal representation, a long-disputed point finally resolved.
MONUSCO, the UN mission in Congo, will support the process logistically.
Verification will be carried out by the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, tasked with monitoring, investigating, and reporting any violations.
This move brings new hope to a region scarred by years of conflict and could open the door to deeper talks addressing the roots of the crisis.
