With the mediation of Qatar, the delegations of both parties signed the text in Doha, which entrusts the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with the role of neutral intermediary for the identification and release of detainees, one of the key points of contention in the talks.

The text also provides for the establishment of specific actors and modalities for ceasefire verification in the provinces of North and South Kivu, although the details have not yet been made public.

The purpose is to ensure effective monitoring of the pause in hostilities in a region marked by prolonged instability.

According to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Qatar, the United States, and the African Union will participate in this mechanism as observers, committed to transparency and support for achieving peace in the Great Lakes Region.

He added that this step represents a key point in building mutual trust toward a possible final peace agreement.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka described the signing of the protocol as a significant step forward and noted that the rebels hope it will “put an end to the repeated attacks” perpetrated by government coalition forces against the civilian population.

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