Brokered in Doha under Qatar’s mediation, the agreement calls for both parties to safeguard civilians and fully respect the territorial integrity of the DRC. In Goma, the North Kivu province’s capital—held by M23 forces since January—the development has kindled a cautious but palpable sense of optimism.
“This news is very welcome; we long for an end to the conflict. It would be wonderful to see our nation reunified and its people free to travel without restrictions,” expressed Fidèle Kasereka, a local motorcycle taxi driver, to Africa News.
Adèle Faida, a resident of Goma, mirrored this sentiment: “We crave peace. We seek real outcomes from these discussions, not mere words followed by violence. We have endured too much here.”
The agreement entails a permanent ceasefire, bans any kind of military action, aerial strikes, or territorial gains. For residents, the announcement came as a mix of relief and wariness.
“Diplomacy may indeed require military readiness, but we, as civilians, have had enough of weapons. They’ve left us famished and orphaned our families. The pain is unbearable,” voiced Gueule Mamlaka, another Goma resident.
The international community has hailed the accord as a “significant step,” though they call for ongoing caution. France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission MONUSCO emphasize the need for quick, tangible, and honest implementation.
Within the DRC’s civil society and certain political circles, the agreement is seen as a symbolic yet crucial milestone toward lasting peace.
“The Doha negotiations are welcomed—this is progress, a major breakthrough. Both M23 and the government have made pledges. We hope this leads to genuine dialogue, yet the broader political situation must also be resolved,” said political figure Grâce Omar.
The agreement is now in effect, with plans to establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure all parties meet their commitments. Direct talks are expected in the upcoming weeks, aiming to secure a comprehensive peace agreement by next summer, in line with the June 27 protocol between Kinshasa and Kigali.
