The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed with several other regional governments to approve a peace deal, called the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, at a conference in Ethiopia. The deal will purportedly bring the Congolese government closer to realizing peace after decades of violence.
The agreement includes commitments from Congo's neighbors — Rwanda and Uganda — to stop its support of the armed rebel group, M23, according to Think Africa Press.
In addition, it stipulates that the DRC shall deepen democratization and reorganize the security sector alongside basic financial and structural reform.
M23, however, refuses to recognize the treaty:
"We are not accepting that document, they did it without our input," M23 spokesman Amani Kibasha said from Bunagana in eastern Congo. "The document should originate from the talks in Kampala and not just be imposed on us."
The year-long rebellion began in the provincial capital of Goma.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com