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Mediation

Declaration of Principles Signed in Doha Marks Key Step Toward Ending Eastern DRC Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A declaration of principles signed in Doha between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has been welcomed as a significant step toward bringing an end to the long-running conflict in the eastern DRC. The document, brokered by Qatar after months of discreet mediation, outlines a series of agreed-upon principles to guide further talks between the parties. While not a final peace deal, the declaration marks a crucial step toward a comprehensive agreement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The declaration outlines a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and prohibits any attempt to seize new positions by force.
  • Both the DRC government and the M23 rebels have agreed to protect civilian populations and to facilitate the enforcement of the ceasefire.
  • The declaration calls for the creation of an oversight and verification mechanism to ensure the ceasefire is properly implemented and applies to all armed forces involved in the conflict.
  • Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, welcomed the declaration as a key step toward bringing peace to the DRC.
  • Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders, including regional facilitators from the EAC and the SADC.
  • The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) welcomed the declaration, saying that it "paves the way for durable peace, security, and the return of displaced persons and refugees."
  • The declaration comes against a backdrop of persistent regional tensions, unresolved security concerns, and strained diplomatic relations among key players in the Great Lakes region.
  • The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, while Rwanda denies these allegations and accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

Statistics:

  • More than 27.8 million people in the DRC are facing food insecurity, with over 7 million internally displaced, many of them multiple times (United Nations).
  • A fifth round of peace talks between the DRC government and the M23 began in Doha under Qatari mediation in July 2025.
  • Several rounds of dialogue have taken place since late March 2025, including a joint commitment to a ceasefire and a broader peace process announced in April.
  • A high-level meeting on the Great Lakes region is set to be hosted by France in September to reinforce international support for regional stability and diplomatic coordination.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency
  • United Nations

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