In a surprising development, a first compromise was signed on Wednesday evening in Doha between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel movement. This turning point comes after a day marked by rumors that the rebel delegation was pulling out of the talks.
In two separate, but identically worded communiqués, both parties committed to working toward a truce aimed at establishing a ceasefire. The joint declaration was signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, M23’s communications officer, and Papy Mbuyi, head of the government delegation.
Although this compromise does not yet constitute a definitive ceasefire agreement, it is the first time that Kinshasa and the AFC (the political wing of M23) have agreed on a common text—a notable step forward in the framework of direct negotiations.
Both sides praised the “spirit of mutual understanding and shared willingness” that prevailed during the discussions and affirmed their commitment to “resolving the conflict through peaceful means.”