DRC – M23: The Doha agreement, a new hope for lasting peace in the East
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) reached a key milestone in resolving the conflict in the eastern part of the country by signing a Declaration of Principles on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. The document provides for a permanent ceasefire and the start of direct negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement by August 18, 2025.
This diplomatic breakthrough, welcomed by the United States, MONUSCO, Rwanda, and several regional actors, builds on the agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27 in Washington under U.S. auspices.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the declaration as “a significant step toward lasting peace in the Great Lakes region”, while emphasizing Qatar’s pivotal role in facilitating the process.
The agreement, signed by Samba Sita Mambo on behalf of the Congolese government and Benjamin Mbonimpa for the AFC/M23, is based on seven key commitments, including an end to hostilities, the rejection of hate speech, respect for the DRC’s territorial integrity, and the release of prisoners with the support of the ICRC.
MONUSCO praised the document as “essential on the path to lasting peace”, calling for the protection of civilians and the voluntary return of displaced persons. It also reaffirmed its readiness to support the implementation of the ceasefire and to ensure credible monitoring through a verification mechanism.
Rwanda, also a signatory of the Washington agreement, hailed the move as a “significant step” toward regional stability, reaffirming its commitment to peace and development in the Great Lakes region.
This agreement signals a new regional dynamic supported by key international partners, at a time when peace in eastern DRC remains a top humanitarian and security priority.
