French President Emmanuel Macron and other key leaders have welcomed the Declaration of Principlesfor a peace agreement signed between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and the AFC/M23 rebels. The agreement was signed on Saturday, July 19, in Doha, Qatar. ALSO READ: DR Congo-AFC/M23 talks: Details of new deal emerge The M23 is part of a broader rebel coalition, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), formed in December 2023 and led by Corneille Nangaa, the former chairman of the DRC’s national electoral commission (CENI). Among the key commitments outlined in the declaration is the pledge by both parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means, grounded in diplomacy and negotiation, in alignment with the East African Community (EAC)-Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework, as endorsed by the African Union (AU). The parties also agreed to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire and to establish an oversight and verification mechanism to define the modalities of the ceasefire and ensure its effective implementation. ALSO READ: Cabinet ratifies Rwanda-DR Congo peace agreement In addition, they acknowledged that the restoration of government authority is “the logical consequence of effectively addressing the reasons of the conflict through a peace agreement.” Here, they agreed to commit to entering into direct negotiations immediately following the implementation of the provisions of the declaration in order to start negotiating a peace agreement not later than 8 August 2025. Reacting to the declaration, Macron welcomed it, appreciating the efforts of Qatar which was the main broker. “I welcome the agreement in principle between the DRC and M23/AFC, thanks to the mediation of Qatar and its Emir. For the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region, the momentum for peace rekindles hope and confidence. France will continue its efforts in support of peace,” he noted. Maxime Prevot, Belgium’s foreign affairs minister said the declaration marks a crucial moment in the pursuit of peace. “Belgium welcomes the signature of a Declaration of Principles between the DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha. This development marks a crucial moment in the pursuit of peace and security for the people of eastern DRC,” he said, as he encouraged all parties to implement their commitments fully and in good faith in order to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. Massad Boulus, US President’s senior advisor for Africa, said the signing of the declaration represents a significant step toward a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. ALSO READ: Rwanda-DR Congo deal: How long is the road to peace? “This declaration underscores a shared commitment to dialogue, accountability, and a path toward stability and prosperity for the people of the region, he said. We commend Qatar’s leadership and the parties for their efforts to advance peace and encourage continued progress to restore state authority, foster inclusive governance, and enable the safe return of displaced communities,” he added. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said the agreement marks “a major milestone” in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
