#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.