#drc

#drc

Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 militia signed a provisional ceasefire in Qatar, committing to a permanent truce by August 18.

While the White House may be celebrating its diplomatic triumph in brokering a peace deal between tense neighbours DRC and Rwanda, for sceptical observers and people caught up in conflict and deprivation in eastern DRC, the mood is bound to be far more muted. "I think a lot of ordinary citizens are hardly moved by the deal and many will wait to see if there are any positives to come out of it," said Michael Odhiambo, a peace expert for Eirene International in Uvira in eastern DRC.

Qatari diplomat Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi expressed Qatar's commitment to mediating regional conflicts, highlighting the importance of the peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC.

"According to a joint statement released by Qatar's Foreign Ministry after the talks, the two African presidents reaffirmed their commitment to an 'immediate and unconditional' ceasefire."

The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated Belgium has consistently undermined Kigali during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Congo's president, Felix Tshisekedi, called the attack 'a heinous terrorist act.' Meanwhile, M23 accused the Congolese authorities of being behind the attack, saying they implemented a plan of exterminating civilian populations.

"We offered to meet Arsenal, but they didn't reach out or take us up on the offer. We have not received an answer. Apparently they are not interested in meeting us."