Congo and the M23 militia have committed to "building trust" through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Qatari minister of state Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi said.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa, has endured decades of conflict and instability despite being one of the world’s richest countries in natural resources. With 87 million people and vast reserves of coltan,

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration to cease hostilities in eastern Congo. The deal, facilitated by Qatar, aims at addressing deep-rooted conflict causes but faces disagreement over key terms.

Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group pledged to sign a peace agreement by August 18, at a ceremony in Doha on Saturday, a sign of progress even as outstanding details need to be negotiated.

Congo and the M23 rebel group on Saturday pledged to sign a peace agreement by Aug. 18, a sign of progress even as outstanding details need to be negotiated. Representatives for both sides were at a ceremony in Doha following months of Qatari mediation.