The M23 rebel group said on Thursday it intends to continue negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), arguing that key issues were left unaddressed in the recent peace deal signed in Washington between Kinshasa and Kigali.
Last week’s agreement, backed by the United States, was aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern DRC, a region rich in minerals but plagued by violence.
US President Donald Trump described the pact as the beginning of “a new chapter of hope and opportunity” for the region.
However, the M23—the most prominent armed faction currently battling Congolese forces—was not involved in the Washington talks and has since insisted on pursuing a separate ceasefire agreement with the DRC through ongoing negotiations in Qatar.
Backed by Rwanda, the M23 launched a swift and large-scale offensive earlier this year, seizing key eastern cities including Goma and Bukavu.
Although Rwanda denies supporting the group militarily, UN investigators have accused the Rwandan army of playing a pivotal role in the M23’s campaign.
Eastern DRC has endured over three decades of armed conflict, triggering repeated humanitarian emergencies and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC are expected to meet in the coming months to strengthen the terms of the US-brokered deal, whose full details remain unclear.
Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding a parallel agreement on economic cooperation, particularly in relation to Congo’s vast mineral resources.
Meanwhile, the M23 has reaffirmed its commitment to talks hosted in Doha, where it says the core issues of the conflict can be properly addressed.
“We believe in the Doha process,” said Mbonimpa. “We are heading there to secure lasting peace.”
Although the front line in eastern DRC has largely held since February, intermittent clashes continue between M23 fighters and pro-government militias.
