In a pivotal step towards regional peace, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) signed a declaration of principles in Qatar this Saturday. This agreement is intended to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace and the stabilization of a region long affected by conflict.

According to the Associated Press, the declaration stipulates that both the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, agree to ink a final peace deal by August 18. This deal is expected to be in line with a recent peace accord between the DRC and Rwanda. The Qatari Foreign Ministry, playing a key role as mediator, confirmed that discussions will continue to ensure a comprehensive resolution is reached.

One critical point that remains ambiguous is whether the M23 will withdraw from the territories they currently control. While a peace deal would typically necessitate the re-establishment of state authority in regions controlled by the rebels, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa emphasized that the current declaration focuses on empowering the Congolese state to fulfill its responsibilities rather than on rebel withdrawal.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has expressed strong support for this development. Bruno Lemarquis, head of MONUSCO, remarked, “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 good faith implementation." He further urged that the protection of civilians and the adherence to a ceasefire be prioritized in the ongoing dialogues.

The African Union Commission also hailed the signing as a significant milestone, indicative of the ongoing efforts to restore peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC.

This development follows a June peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, brokered by the United States, which aimed to end a conflict that has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread human rights violations by the M23, some of which may constitute war crimes. Amidst these challenges, the International Organization for Migration has reported that violence in the region has displaced nearly 7 million people, severely disrupting essential services including food supplies.

The global community continues to watch closely, hopeful that this declaration of principles will indeed be a crucial step toward lasting peace in the DRC.