Foundations of Peace Looming in Eastern Congo… A Declaration of Principles on the Horizon

A forthcoming declaration of principles between Kinshasa and the M23 rebel movement could lay the groundwork for peace in a region long plagued by instability. The announcement comes after several months of difficult negotiations.

According to a source familiar with the talks hosted in Doha, both parties are expected to sign the declaration later on Saturday, as reported by Agence France-Presse.

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Contents of the Declaration

The official noted that the declaration includes an agreement on an immediate ceasefire, a commitment to initiate formal negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement in the near future, and outlines a consensus mechanism for establishing a permanent cessation of hostilities.

The source, who asked to remain anonymous, added that the declaration also presents a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo once a peace agreement is signed, along with a framework outlining the topics to be addressed in the upcoming peace discussions.

The final round of talks included direct meetings between both parties in Doha and concluded with separate sessions with Qatari mediators.

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Outstanding Issues

In early July, the M23 rebel group called for renewed discussions to address unresolved matters that were not included in the peace agreement signed last month in Washington between Kigali and Kinshasa.

Eastern Congo, rich in natural resources, particularly minerals, has endured repeated conflicts for over three decades. In recent months, violence escalated in this region bordering Rwanda, with the M23—backed by Kigali and its army—seizing control of the key cities of Goma and Bukavu.

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While Rwanda denied direct support to the M23, it called for an end to another armed group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which was founded by Hutu individuals linked to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.

According to the Congolese government and the United Nations, the latest surge in violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and significantly worsened the humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands of people.

Although the region has remained relatively calm since February, clashes between rebels and pro-Kinshasa militias continue intermittently.

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