The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwandan-backed M23 group have agreed to halt fighting in eastern DRC while negotiating a permanent truce, following talks mediated by Qatar. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, despite numerous previous truces collapsing since 2021. The DRC president, Félix Tshisekedi, has historically refused direct talks with M23, which has been accused of receiving Rwandan support, a claim Rwanda denies, amidst rising fears of a broader regional conflict.