DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa’s longest conflicts with thousands killed this year.

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.

An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) as “an important step toward sustainable peace.

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration in Qatar to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel militia have signed a new ceasefire agreement, bringing a halt to the massive violence that has ravaged the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region for months.

The Congolese government continues its military offensives despite ongoing peace efforts in Doha, Qatar, the AFC/M23 rebellion informed the national and international community, on July 17, reiterating its “determination to protect civilian populations and eliminate any threat at its source.

As the Senate prepares to take up the rescissions package, lawmakers should remember: Peacekeeping isn’t charity, it’s strategy.