The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and the Rwandan government have welcomed the recent signing of a Declaration of Principles between the Congolese government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).
The agreement, brokered in Doha under Qatari mediation, marks a significant milestone in efforts to bring lasting peace to the troubled eastern regions of the DRC.
In a statement released on Saturday, MONUSCO described the accord as “essential on the path to lasting peace,” urging both parties to honour their commitments.
These include upholding the ceasefire, ensuring civilian protection, and enabling the voluntary return of displaced populations. MONUSCO also reaffirmed its readiness to assist in ceasing hostilities and establishing a credible verification mechanism to monitor compliance.
Rwanda, whose forces have long been involved in regional dynamics, hailed the agreement as “a significant step towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict” in eastern Congo.
Kigali emphasised that the declaration addresses the root causes of instability while restoring security, and praised Qatar’s role in mediation—an effort backed by the United States, African Union, and regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Signed by Samba Sita Mambo, representing the Congolese president, and Benjamin Mbonimpa, permanent secretary of AFC/M23, the document outlines seven core commitments.
The parties pledge to resolve disputes peacefully, reject hostile rhetoric, and reaffirm their dedication to the DRC’s territorial integrity.
A permanent ceasefire is promised, alongside measures to end attacks, hate speech, and territorial advances, all under a monitoring framework.
Confidence-building steps include the release of prisoners facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The restoration of state authority across the territory is affirmed as an essential consequence of peace, with commitments to enable safe and dignified returns for displaced persons in accordance with international law and UNHCR agreements.
The agreement also envisions MONUSCO and regional actors supporting civilian protection and ceasefire enforcement. Direct negotiations are set to begin, aiming for a comprehensive peace accord by 18 August 2025, aligned with a previous DRC-Rwanda pact signed in Washington on 27 June.
MONUSCO urged all signatories to “act in good faith at every stage” and to prioritise the aspirations of the Congolese people, while Rwanda reaffirmed its dedication to regional peace and development.
This Declaration represents a hopeful advance in the protracted quest to stabilise eastern DRC, a region long plagued by armed conflict and humanitarian crises.
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