The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and a quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa’s longest conflicts,

Six months after M23 rebels took the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Goma, there are signs of a return to normality. But the emotional scars still run deep for many women who survived sexual assault during the upsurge in fighting between the rebels and the Congolese army.

Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decades-long fighting in eastern Congo that commits them to a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement to be signed in one month.