Diplomatic Breakthrough: DR Congo and M23 Rebels Sign Ceasefire Agreement in Qatar

Fri Oct 24 2025 02:00:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels have reached a pivotal ceasefire deal in Qatar, aiming for lasting peace amid ongoing conflict.

A ceasefire agreement named the Declaration of Principles was signed in Qatar by the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels, setting a roadmap towards a permanent resolution to the long-standing conflict in the region. Both parties have committed to refraining from aggressive actions and implementing the terms by late July. While the agreement has sparked hope for lasting peace, it also faces skepticism due to historical challenges in resolving such disputes.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and the M23 rebel group have made significant strides toward peace as they signed a ceasefire agreement in Qatar on Saturday, titled the Declaration of Principles. This agreement calls for both parties to abstain from violent actions, "hate propaganda," and any attempts to expand their territorial control through force. It serves as a roadmap aiming toward a permanent peace settlement.

The parties have set a timeline for implementing the terms of the agreement by July 29, with a comprehensive peace deal expected by August 18. This forthcoming agreement is intended to align with a recent US-brokered deal aimed at mitigating the tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda, which has faced accusations of supporting the M23.

The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more, especially after M23 seized control of significant territories in eastern DR Congo, including Goma, Bukavu, and nearby airports. While the UN estimates that thousands have died due to the violence, M23 has contested these figures, claiming the toll is under 1,000.

DR Congo spokesperson Patrick Muyaya expressed that the agreement considers the government’s "red line," particularly the essential demand for the M23 factions to withdraw from the regions they occupy. Despite this, M23 negotiator Benjamin Mbonimpa pointed out that the agreed-upon terms do not explicitly mention such a withdrawal.

This marks the first official peace accord between the two factions since the M23 initiated its offensive at the beginning of the year. Qatar has pledged to continue facilitating negotiations, with the African Union Commission hailing the declaration as a pivotal moment for securing peace and stability in the region.

A commitment to reinstating state authority in eastern DR Congo has also been outlined in the declaration. Notably, this recent agreement follows a series of failed peace attempts, with M23 itself originating from a previous unfulfilled peace deal 16 years ago.

Previously, in March, DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame convened in Qatar, urging an immediate ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire arrangement being brokered in April, conflicts continued on the ground, raising doubts about the efficacy of negotiation efforts.

The recent US-supported deal, introduced in June, has faced scrutiny as it seemingly provides the U.S. with intrinsic access to DR Congo’s abundant mineral resources, a fact emphasized by former President Trump. Discussions have emerged about a potential meeting in Washington between Tshisekedi and Kagame, but no definitive schedule has been publicized.

As the international community watches closely, this ceasefire agreement presents both challenges and opportunities for lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.