Peace Agreement between the Government of the DRC and M23

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa

Parties: Government of DRC; M23

Type: Intra-state

The Parties reached an agreement on 11 points, including the decision by M23 to transform itself into a political party, amnesty to M23 for acts of war and insurgency, demobilisation of former M23 combatants, return of refugees and IDPs to their homes, formation of a commission to handle the return of property (including land), national reconciliation and justice, and social, security and economic reforms. The amnesty does not cover war crimes, crimes against humanity and other grave human rights violations. M23 combatants are required to desist from insurgency in order to be granted amnesty. For the refugee return areas, the Government committed to render the areas secure and viable, accelerate deployment of community police, accelerate community development projects and social reintegration and present a detailed action plan for their return. The tasks of the National Reconciliation Commission would include promoting national reconciliation and peaceful resolution of conflict, fighting against ethnic discrimination, settling inter-ethnic conflicts and providing civic education to promote peaceful co-existence. The Government committed to initiating prosecutions for war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, sexual violence and recruitment of child soldiers.