The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group have signed a declaration of principles aimed at ending the conflict in the country’s eastern region. The agreement was signed on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, following months of negotiations mediated by the Qatari government.
The declaration establishes a framework of core principles that both parties have agreed upon, setting the stage for continued discussions towards a comprehensive peace deal. “The agreement outlines the key principles both parties have committed to,” said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the signing ceremony.
Minister Al Khulaifi emphasized Qatar’s dedication to facilitating ongoing negotiations. “Qatar remains committed to pushing forward negotiations following the declaration in efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings peace, development, and stability to the DRC people,” he stated.
Since January, security conditions in eastern DRC have deteriorated due to a resurgence of fighting involving the M23 rebels. The group has seized control of several key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The signing of this declaration brings hope for a long-awaited resolution to the conflict, offering a chance for peace and stability in the region.
