France, Oct. 15 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 have agreed to create a joint body to monitor a future permanent ceasefire - a step seen as crucial to ending years of violence in the country's east.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Doha after mediation by Qatar, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said on X.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the signing and called it "a significant advancement".

The body will oversee the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, investigate reports of violations and help prevent renewed fighting, Qatar's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It will include representatives from Congo, M23 and the 12-country International Conference ...