The United States has welcomed the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on Saturday between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23), hailing it as a major milestone toward ending years of violence in eastern Congo.
The agreement, endorsed by MONUSCO and Rwanda, establishes a permanent ceasefire and commits both sides to direct negotiations for a comprehensive peace accord, due to be finalised by 18 August 2025.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, described the deal as “a significant step toward advancing lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.”
She credited Qatar’s diplomatic efforts for making the agreement possible, stating, “Qatar’s leadership and dedication to fostering dialogue between the DRC and the M23 have been instrumental in supporting a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
The State Department emphasised that the Doha agreement builds on the DRC-Rwanda peace accord signed in Washington on 27 June, which was brokered under U.S. mediation. It urged all parties to “uphold their commitments under the Declaration of Principles and continue the discussions necessary to reach a comprehensive peace agreement,” while reiterating support for restoring state authority and fostering inclusive governance in the DRC.
The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) called the declaration “essential on the path to lasting peace” and pledged support for the ceasefire through a credible monitoring mechanism.
It urged both sides to “act in good faith at every stage of the process” and “prioritise the aspirations of the Congolese people,” including the voluntary and safe return of displaced civilians.
Rwanda also welcomed the development, describing it as “a significant step towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict,” and praised Qatar’s mediation, supported by the United States, the African Union, the East African Community, and SADC.
Kigali reaffirmed its willingness to contribute to stability and economic development in the Great Lakes region.
Signed by Samba Sita Mambo, representing President Félix Tshisekedi, and Benjamin Mbonimpa, secretary-general of the M23-aligned Congo River Alliance, the declaration sets out seven commitments.
These include a permanent cessation of hostilities, the rejection of hate speech and territorial advances, and the release of prisoners of interest through mechanisms facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The document also emphasises the restoration of state authority across the DRC and the safe, dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons, in line with international humanitarian law.
The agreement marks a pivotal step in regional and international efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC, a region destabilised by armed groups for decades, with Washington playing a central role in the diplomatic process.
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