Qatar : DR Congo-M23 Rebels Sign Cease-Fire Deal

Doha, the capital of Qatar, on July 19, 2025 hosted a signing ceremony for a Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement. The Declaration of Principles, endorsed by the Congolese Presidential Envoy, Sumbu Sita Mambu and M23 Permanent Secretary, Benjamin Mbonimpa, is regarded as a significant advancement in the pursuit of peace and stability in the eastern region of the Congo and it followed a separate peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed in Washington last month.
The signing of the declaration is a culmination of the diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Qatar over recent months, during which it endeavored to foster a conducive environment for constructive dialogue between the two parties in preparation for achieving a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict in the area. The Declaration of Principles encompasses mutual commitments from both sides, as well as a general framework that lays the groundwork for constructive negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement.
During a press conference that followed the signing of the Declaration of Principles, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, described the declaration as a pivotal advancement towards enhancing peace and stability in eastern DRC. The event he added, “Signifies the initiation of direct negotiations aimed at realizing a comprehensive peace that tackles the fund...