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'Little Hope' In DR Congo as Peace Talks Fail to End Fighting

Several months have passed since the signing of peace agreements in the U.S. and the Qatari capital, Doha, that were intended to end the conflict in eastern DR Congo between Congolese forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Yet, residents say the accords have failed to alter the battlefield situation.

The U.S. deal, brokered in June, set out a de-escalation framework that would require the DRC to dismantle the Rwandan-backed rebels on its soil while Rwandan troops would withdraw from the east. So far, however, Rwandan forces remain on the ground, and Congolese efforts against the rebels have reportedly been limited.

The agreement's provisions to expand American access to Congolese minerals have triggered concerns. "At times, we really get the feeling that some are more eager to secure economic and geopolitical positions than to build a lasting peace for the people who have been suffering for far too long," said Reagan Miviri of Ebuteli, a Congolese research group.

InFocus

Benjamin Anguandia/WFP

M23 attacks have resulted in the mass displacement of over seven million people.

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