A Qatar-backed mission to monitor a ceasefire between Congolese government forces and Rwanda-backed rebels began operations in eastern Congo on Monday, marking the first field deployment under a peace agreement reached through Doha-mediated talks.
The monitoring mission is operating in Minembwe, South Kivu province, where fighting between Congolese forces and AFC/M23 rebels has intensified in recent weeks.
Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. AFC/M23 on Monday alleged that government forces shelled a village near Minembwe, causing civilian casualties and forcing residents to flee. Congo’s military did not immediately respond to the allegation.
The mission follows a peace agreement signed in November 2025 after Qatar-mediated negotiations. The deal established a framework for a wider peace settlement and mechanisms to oversee implementation of the ceasefire.
The conflict escalated last year when AFC/M23 launched a rapid offensive and captured the region’s two largest cities. The rebels currently control large areas of eastern Congo.
READ ALSO: South Africa Announces Troop Withdrawal From UN Congo Mission
The latest deployment comes after Congolese government and AFC/M23 representatives met in Switzerland last week and agreed on a new roadmap for negotiations, reviving the Doha peace process after months of stalled talks.
The Qatar-led process is running alongside US-mediated negotiations between Congo and Rwanda, with Washington seeking to support peace and encourage Western investment in eastern Congo’s mineral resources.
Earlier this month, Congolese authorities transferred 15 prisoners to AFC/M23, marking the first known prisoner handover under the peace agreement.
