In a step toward ending violence in eastern Congo, the government and M23 rebels have signed an agreement to form a group that will oversee a permanent ceasefire.
The agreement was confirmed by Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya and seen by Reuters. It outlines the creation of a ceasefire monitoring body with representatives from Congo, M23, and the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
This body will be responsible for investigating any reported violations and is expected to hold its first meeting within seven days.
It’s one of two milestones required before comprehensive peace talks can move forward. The second—an agreement on exchanging prisoners of war—was signed in September, though the actual exchange hasn’t occurred yet.
M23 has not commented publicly.
Meanwhile, the UN mission in Congo, MONUSCO, will support the process by providing logistical help and joining the monitoring body as an “additional participant.”
