Congo Peace Deal Marks Shift Towards Sustainable Peace

Strategic Insights -

A significant development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been hailed as a crucial step towards lasting peace, with the signing of a declaration of principles between the DRC government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23). This breakthrough agreement, facilitated by Qatar, marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting civilians affected by the conflict. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has welcomed the Declaration of Principles, noting its emphasis on peaceful means, a ceasefire, and a joint mechanism to implement its practical implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under Qatari mediation, reflects the parties' commitment to prioritizing peaceful means and a ceasefire.
  • The agreement includes measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin.
  • Inclusive dialogue is seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
  • The Declaration comes after a long and bloody conflict, with thousands of civilians killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.
  • A previous peace agreement was signed by Congo and Rwanda, but the DRC government accused Rwanda of supporting the M23.
  • MONUSCO is committed to supporting the ceasefire and establishing a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
  • The mission urges all parties to honour their commitments and prioritize human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of civilians were killed in the conflict.
  • Hundreds of thousands of civilians were displaced.
  • The M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages.
  • The Declaration of Principles was signed in Doha, Qatar.
  • The agreement was facilitated by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
  • A previous agreement was signed by Congo and Rwanda in June 2025.

Sources:

  • https://monusco.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/pr_monusco_welcomes_the_signing_of_the_declaration_of_principles_between_the_gov_of_drc_and_the_afcm23_as_a_major_step_toward_peace_19_july_2025.pdf
  • https://monusco.unmissions.org/en
  • https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1165071
  • UN News Service, "Congo/Rwanda: UN welcomes peace deal and urges swift implementation", 19 July 2025.