African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the Doha deal as a major milestone. /AU/XThe African Union Commission has welcomed the signing of a peace agreement in Doha between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).
The declaration of principles marks a crucial advancement in efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
Since early 2022, the M23 rebel group has waged a campaign across North and South Kivu provinces, accusing the DRC government of failing to integrate Tutsis into state institutions.
Their rapid advance in January 2025 saw them seize strategic cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
The offensive, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces—a claim Kigali denies—has killed thousands, displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Amid international alarm, in late June, the DRC and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace accord in Washington.
That agreement commits Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC within 90 days, while also prompting economic initiatives in the mineral-rich region.
In Doha, Kinshasa, and the AFC/M23 agreed to a declaration of principles that calls for an immediate ceasefire, therestoration of state authority in rebel-held areas, and formal negotiations towards a broader peace deal.
African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the Doha deal as a major milestone.
He praised the mediation roles played by the United States and Qatar, and acknowledged support from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, SADC.
Youssouf also extended special thanks to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, for hosting and facilitating the talks, and commended AU peace champion João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola, alongside AU mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo, for their diplomatic efforts.
He also saluted the willingness to compromise shown by the governments of the DRC and Rwanda.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to assisting with the implementation of the agreement and fostering sustainable peace, security, and development in the region.
