The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a declaration of principles with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group on Saturday in Doha, Qatar, to end the conflict in the country's eastern region.
After months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, the declaration lays out a framework of core principles agreed upon by both parties and sets the foundation for continued talks aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal.
Qatar remains committed to pushing forward negotiations following the declaration in efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that brings peace, development and stability to the DRC people, said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the signing ceremony.
According to the document, both sides have agreed to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, within the existing peace framework endorsed by the East African Community, the Southern African Development Community and the African Union.
The declaration outlines a commitment to a permanent ceasefire and prohibits any attempt to seize new positions by force. It calls for the creation of an oversight and verification mechanism to ensure the ceasefire is properly implemented and applies to all armed forces involved in the conflict.
The two sides also agreed to work with the International Committee of the Red Cross to arrange the release of prisoners or detainees of concern, in line with Congolese law. In addition, both parties pledged to facilitate the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places or countries of origin.
The declaration concludes with a joint commitment to pursue further negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement "in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation", the text read.
The conflicting parties are expected to begin negotiations on a peace agreement before August 8 and aim to sign the agreement before August 18.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades. Violence escalated sharply following the resurgence of the M23 in late 2021.
DR Congo gov't, M23 rebel group sign declaration of principles to end conflict
