KINSHASA (HT): The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement have agreed on a roadmap intended to advance peace negotiations and reduce violence in eastern Congo.
The agreement establishes a mechanism for monitoring ceasefire violations and sets a timetable for negotiations under an earlier US-supported peace framework. Representatives from Qatar, the United States, Togo, Switzerland and the African Union participated in the discussions.
However, significant disagreements remain concerning sanctions, political reforms and the release of detainees.
Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced despite previous ceasefire commitments. The roadmap therefore represents diplomatic progress, but its success will depend on whether the parties implement their commitments and halt fighting on the ground.
