After years of violence and the displacement of countless civilians, a principle agreement has been signed between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel movement, often accused of receiving support from Rwanda.
The accord, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, commits both parties to protecting civilians while fully respecting the territorial sovereignty of the DRC.
In Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, which has been under M23 control since January, the announcement has sparked a cautious but genuine sense of optimism.
The agreement includes a permanent ceasefire and explicitly bans any military attacks, aerial bombardments, or territorial advances. For many residents, the announcement brings both relief and skepticism.