The rebel group M23 and Congo signed a framework agreement for a peace deal this past Saturday. This is the last step to the so far unsuccessful effort to end the year’s conflict.
The conflict has been described by the UN as “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth,” displacing 7 million people. The M23 is the most prominent of over 100 armed groups operating in the mineral-rich region and is notably backed by neighboring Rwanda. This year saw a major escalation when M23 seized key cities, Goma and Bukavu.
Mediated by Qatar and the United States, the document is not a final peace deal but rather a framework outlining the necessary measures to achieve one. Benjamin Mbonimpa, head of the M23 delegation, confirmed that there would be “neither any change in the situation on the ground, nor any activity whatsoever” until the measures are fully debated, negotiated, and a final agreement is reached.
Current Efforts
The Congolese government stated that the framework consists of eight measures. Two confidence-building steps. This consists of agreements on the release of prisoners and the creation of a ceasefire oversight body, which were already signed in September and October. The remaining six, which include the restoration of state authority in rebel-held areas, humanitarian access, and the resettlement of refugees, are slated for negotiation within the next two weeks.
Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April, following a failed July declaration that missed its August 18 deadline. Despite the new framework, fighting has continued, with both sides accusing the other of violating peace terms.
The signing was attended by Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump, who called the framework a “starting point” and a “historic” opportunity. The Trump administration has also previously mediated a separate peace deal between Congo and Rwanda (accused of backing M23) in June. This sustained US and Qatari engagement provides a degree of optimism for the framework’s success, though the history of broken agreements means significant challenges remain for the negotiations ahead.
Reference
Associated Press. (2025, November 15). Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign framework for peace deal in latest bid to end decades-long conflict. CNN News. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/15/africa/congo-m23-rwanda-framework-signed-latam-intl