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Mediation

Doha Agreement Brings Democratic Republic of Congo Government and M23 Rebels Closer to Peace

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as MONUSCO, has hailed an agreement signed by the DRC government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) as a crucial step towards sustainable peace. The Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, reflects the parties' commitment to peaceful means, a ceasefire, and a joint mechanism to define its implementation. The agreement comes on the heels of a peace deal signed by Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23. The Declaration of Principles prioritizes civilian protection, support for the ceasefire, and assistance from MONUSCO and other partners. The UN mission is ready to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Declaration of Principles signed by the DRC government and the AFC/M23 marks a significant step towards easing tensions and protecting civilians affected by the conflict.
  • The agreement reflects the parties' commitment to prioritize peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its implementation.
  • The Declaration of Principles prioritizes civilian protection, support for the ceasefire, and assistance from MONUSCO and other partners.
  • The agreement comes less than a month after a peace deal signed by Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23.
  • The UN mission, MONUSCO, is ready to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
  • The Declaration of Principles includes measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin.
  • The agreement emphasizes the necessity of inclusive dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict and achieve lasting peace.
  • Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO, has commended the commitments made by the parties and called for their timely and good faith implementation.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of civilians were killed in the M23's offensive in North and South Kivu provinces.
  • Hundreds of thousands more civilians were displaced as a result of the conflict.
  • Serious human rights violations were committed by both parties during the conflict.
  • The agreement includes measures to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places of origin.

Sources:

  • "UN mission welcomes important steps towards peace in eastern DRC" by MONUSCO, published on July 19, 2025.
  • "Doha agreement brings Democratic Republic (DR) Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace" by M2 PressWIRE, published on July 21, 2025.

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