The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group have committed to signing a peace agreement by 18 August, as announced during a ceremony held in Doha on Saturday. While this development indicates progress,

The agreement marks the first direct commitment from both sides since rebels seized key cities in eastern Congo.

DAKAR, Senegal — The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and a quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa’s longest conflicts, with thousands killed this year alone.