The Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, signed a declaration of principle on July 19 in Doha, Qatar. The agreement seeks to pave the way toward a lasting peace deal.

After three months of talks involving the DRC, Rwanda, and M23 under Qatar’s mediation, the declaration commits both sides to respect a permanent ceasefire. It also requires them to avoid any actions that could disrupt the ceasefire process.

The declaration sets a clear timeline: both parties must implement the ceasefire provisions by July 29, open direct negotiations by August 8, and finalize a peace agreement by August 18.

Patrick Muyaya, Congolese government spokesman, said, “This declaration takes account of the red lines we have always defended, particularly the non-negotiable withdrawal of AFC/M23 from the occupied zones, followed by redeployment of our institutions — FARDC, PNC, justice, administration. It contains clear commitments favoring peace, civilian protection, and national sovereignty. It paves the way for a comprehensive peace agreement in the coming days to end the conflict in eastern DRC.”

Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairman of the African Union Commission, welcomed the development. He called it a significant step forward and a major milestone in efforts to establish lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

The M23 rebels seized large parts of mineral-rich eastern DRC in a swift offensive earlier this year. The group insisted on negotiating its own ceasefire with Kinshasa after Rwanda, its ally, signed a separate peace deal with the DRC in Washington last month.

The eastern DRC region has suffered armed conflict for over three decades. Despite multiple ceasefires and peace agreements, fighting has frequently resumed.

This article was initially published in French by Pierre Mukoko

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum