Congo and Rebels Have Committed to Ending War In The East. Here’s What to Know

July 21, 2025

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, marking a significant step toward peace in a decades-long conflict that has killed millions. This Qatar-facilitated agreement, which builds upon a U.S.-brokered peace deal from June, establishes a framework for a final peace agreement to be signed by August 18. The conflict, which began after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has been fueled by ethnic tensions and competition for the region's vast mineral resources valued at approximately $24 trillion.

Who is affected

Millions of civilians in eastern Congo who have experienced violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises
Children who have been victims of summary executions, rape, sexual abuse, and forced recruitment
Residents in rebel-held areas experiencing disappearances
Patients affected by attacks on hospitals
Hutus and Tutsis caught in the ethnic dimensions of the conflict
Local communities affected by mineral exploitation and ongoing violence

What action is being taken

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels are signing a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire
Qatar is facilitating peace negotiations between the parties
Negotiation process is underway for a final peace deal to be signed by August 18
The United Nations is documenting human rights abuses and possible war crimes
KoBold Metals, a U.S. mining company, is signing an agreement with Congo for mineral exploration in the eastern region

Why it matters

The conflict has killed at least 6 million people since it began following the 1994 Rwandan genocide
The declaration represents the first direct commitment between both sides since rebels seized two key cities earlier this year
Eastern Congo contains mineral deposits estimated to be worth up to $24 trillion by the U.S. Department of Commerce
The agreement could address the "deep-rooted causes of the conflict" according to Qatari authorities
Both the African Union and Qatar have described the signing as a "major milestone" in peace efforts
The conflict has resulted in widespread human rights abuses including executions, rape, and forced recruitment of children

What's next

Negotiations for a final peace deal are to continue, with the agreement to be signed no later than August 18
The declaration sets in motion implementation of provisions from the U.S.-brokered peace deal signed between Congo and Rwanda on June 27

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint