DRC and M23 rebels sign declaration of principles in Qatar News
DRC and M23 rebels sign declaration of principles in Qatar

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) signed on Saturday a declaration of principles seeking to achieve peace and stability in the region.

According to the Associated Press, the declaration of principles committed both the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed rebels to sign a final peace deal before August 18, which must align with the recent peace agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda. The Qatari Foreign Ministry, which mediated the negotiations, confirmed that dialogue between the parties will continue, to reach a final and comprehensive agreement.

It is unclear whether this declaration involves the withdrawal of the M23 rebels from the territories they control in the DRC. While a final peace agreement would have to involve the restoration of state authorities in cities controlled by the M23 armed group, an M23 leader named Bertrand Bisimwa said the declaration is not about withdrawal but rather about empowering the Congolese state to fulfill its obligations.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) welcomed the signing of the declaration. Bruno Lemarquis, the head of MONUSCO, stated, “This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict. We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and goodfaith implementation.” MONUSCO also urged the parties to emphasize civilian protection and commit to a ceasefire. The African Union Commission also welcomed the declaration as a “milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC.”

This declaration of principles comes after the DRC and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in June, seeking to end a conflict that has killed thousands. In the past months, rights groups have condemned the M23 rebels for committing human rights violations in the DRC, which may amount to war crimes. As the conflict intensified in the past months, a declaration of principles is considered an important step towards peace in the region. Grave human rights violations were reported during these years of conflict. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that violence has led to the displacement of 6.9 million people across the DRC. The provision of essential services, such as food supplies, has also been hindered by M23’s actions.

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