DAKAR, Aug 24 (Reuters) - A mission to observe implementation of a ceasefire between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebels began on Monday in eastern Congo, the first field deployment under a monitoring mechanism established by a Qatari-mediated peace deal signed last year.
• The deployment of the mission is the latest sign of incremental progress under the Qatar-mediated talks, which began last year after AFC/M23 staged a lightning offensive in eastern Congo, seizing the region's two largest cities.
• The two sides signed a peace deal in November 2025 that established a framework for a comprehensive peace agreement and the implementation of ceasefire monitoring arrangements.
• The mission is taking place in the town of Minembwe, South Kivu province, which has seen a surge in fighting in recent weeks between AFC/M23 rebels and government forces, with each side accusing the other of ceasefire violations.
• AFC/M23 accused government forces on Monday of shelling a village near Minembwe, causing civilian casualties and displacing residents. A spokesperson for Congo's armed forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• Congolese government and AFC/M23 representatives met in Switzerland last week and agreed on a new roadmap for negotiations, pointing to renewed momentum in the Doha peace process after months of stalled talks.
• The Doha process is running parallel to U.S.-mediated talks between Congo and Rwanda that Washington hopes will fuel Western investments in eastern Congo's minerals sector.
• Earlier this month, Congolese authorities released 15 prisoners and handed them over to AFC/M23 rebels, in the first known transfer of prisoners under the deal.
• The rebels control large swathes of eastern Congo after staging their offensive last year.
(Reporting by Congo newsroom; Writing by Clement Bonnerot; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Timothy Heritage)
