Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels sign framework for peace deal, but tensions remain

Congo and Rwanda -backed rebel group M23 on Saturday signed a framework agreement for a peace deal to end decades-long fighting in eastern Congo, but tensions between the two sides remain. The agreement, which was signed in Doha after mediation by Qatar, is not yet a final peace deal, but rather a framework outlining the protocols and timeline for future discussions, the head of the M23 delegation, Benjamin Mbonimpa, said in a video posted on X. Mbonimpa said the framework agreement includes eight protocols that address the ‘root causes’ of the conflict and that will be discussed in the coming weeks.