Description: The Qatari mediated peace initiative has given productive results as both M23 officials and DRC government representatives have agreed upon a lasting ceasefire. The step from both sides represents the most significant progress in the war which intensified in Jan this year after a large M23 ground offensive which resulted in the occupation of the cities of Goma and Bukavu. DRC’s government has so far rejected to directly negotiate with M23 representatives labeling the group a terrorist organization. The impasse was surmounted by Qatar’s mediation which saw the Presidents of Rwanda and DRC agree to initial steps in the peace process, last month in Doha. DRC, the US and the UN have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels and plethora of other militant groups which were mounting consistent offensives against DRC’s military and security forces. Some sources from both camps have expressed their skepticism stating concerns of trust on top of M23’s inconsistent and surreal demands which weren’t formally reported.
Impact: The agreement to reproach towards a ceasefire signals willingness from both DRC and M23 to cease the armed confrontation which has caused severe humanitarian and security crisis in the country. The conflict encompasses global geopolitical implications as DRC’s rare minerals reserves and deposits have been largely targeted by Rwanda, the US and China. The ceasefire initiative would represent the seventh occasion where both sides agreed to a seizure of armed confrontation, with the previous six failing to deliver any constructive results. Qatar’s involvement couldn’t be neglected as the Arab country has positioned itself as the leading regional power in exercising extensive deliberation of soft power, inserting itself in key regional conflicts as a mediator. The skepticism expressed by both camps poses a risk which could backtrack the ceasefire, however, in the short to mid term extensive diplomatic efforts would shape the future of the conflict and by extension DRC’s future.