Rwanda has welcomed a significant step toward peace as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group signed a declaration of principles in Doha, Qatar. The agreement aims to end years of conflict in eastern DRC, a region that has been plagued by violence and instability.
After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, both parties have agreed on a framework that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This declaration sets the stage for continued dialogue and paves the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
“The declaration in Doha is a significant step forward toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC. It addresses the root causes of the conflict and aims to restore security and stability in our region,” Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said in a statement.
Rwanda praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, acknowledging that they build upon the work of the African Union and other regional initiatives. The country reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to sustainable peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region. “We all have to support the continuation of progress to the conclusion,” the statement added.
This agreement follows a peace deal reached between Rwanda and the DRC last month in Washington, where both nations called for a cessation of hostilities. The relationship between the two neighbors has been strained, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels—an allegation Rwanda denies. Conversely, Rwanda accuses the Congolese army of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.
Eastern DRC has endured decades of turmoil, with violence escalating in late 2021 due to the resurgence of the M23. The rebel group has seized significant territory, including key provincial capitals like Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.
The hope is that this new declaration will lead to lasting peace and stability in a region that has seen too much conflict. Young people across Africa and the Global South are watching closely, hopeful that this marks a new chapter for the DRC and its neighbors.
