Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in the east

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration in Qatar to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo

DAKAR, Senegal -- Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting in eastern Congo that commits them to a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement to be signed in one month.

A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and such a deal “shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda” facilitated by the U.S. in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by The Associated Press.

It is the first direct commitment by both Congo and the rebels since theys seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance.

Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo’s mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”

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