The US, UN and the African Union (AU) were among the first to welcome the July 19 truce between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group which had been championed by the US and Qatar.

The Doha Declaration of Principles , building on a peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed in Washington on June 27, was meant to serve as another "meaningful step toward advancing lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region," according to the US Department of State.

Rwanda's willingness to sign, and its passive observation of, the Doha agreement was seen as tacit admittance to its role in the long-standing conflict, although Kigali continues to deny its support of the M23.

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Just one day after the signing in Doha, the US updated its security advisory for Congo and especially its capital, Kinshasa, advising US nationals in the country to "exercise increased awareness, avoid large gatherings, and monitor local news and security updates."

The list of recommended actions include the provision of "enough food and water should you need to........

© Deutsche Welle