The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a declaration of principles on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, marking a significant move toward ending years of conflict in the country’s volatile east.
The deal comes months after the DRC reversed its refusal to engage with M23 a group it had previously labeled a terrorist organisation and began direct negotiations under Qatari mediation.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya hailed the declaration as a milestone that respected Kinshasa’s key demands.
“The declaration takes into account the red lines we have always defended, including the non-negotiable withdrawal of M23,” Muyaya posted on X.
While the agreement sets the stage for a wider peace process, it leaves critical issues unresolved, including the timeline for M23 and potential Rwandan troop withdrawals from eastern Congo.
The conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions and regional power plays, has displaced hundreds of thousands this year alone and heightened fears of a broader regional war. M23 is largely composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters and is widely believed to receive support from Rwanda, an allegation Kigali denies.
DR Congo’s government has long accused Rwanda of backing M23 militarily, a claim supported by the United Nations and several Western countries.
Rwanda, in turn, argues its military presence near the border is defensive and aimed at Hutu militia threats, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
Saturday’s declaration follows months of shuttle diplomacy, including a surprise March meeting in Doha between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, during which both sides called for an immediate ceasefire.
Qatar’s role was pivotal. The talks, hosted in Doha, began after the Gulf nation convened both parties and emphasised dialogue over escalation.
The African Union praised the deal, calling it a “major milestone” toward restoring peace in the Great Lakes region.
“This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace,” said AU chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Negotiations for a formal peace agreement are scheduled to begin by August 8, with a tentative deadline set for August 18.
Despite the progress, the declaration remains vague on key enforcement mechanisms, especially around the restoration of state control and demobilisation of rebel forces.
“The declaration paves the way for discussion, but trust must be built to address the root causes of the conflict,” he said.
Meanwhile, the United States is also involved in parallel diplomatic efforts. In late June, the DRC and Rwanda signed a separate peace agreement in Washington and met with former US President Donald Trump, who warned of “very severe penalties” if the pact is broken.
Though the deal offers hope for a long-awaited peace in eastern Congo, much will depend on whether M23 rebels and regional actors like Rwanda abide by the terms or return to the battlefield.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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