Rwanda welcomes peace declaration between DRC, M23 rebels

Rwanda has welcomed a declaration of principles signed Saturday in Doha, Qatar, between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, marking a significant step toward ending the long-running conflict in eastern DRC.

Mediated by Qatar after months of negotiations, the declaration lays out a framework for ongoing dialogue and future peace agreements. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the move as a vital effort to address root causes of the conflict and promote regional stability, while also commending Qatar’s role and broader African Union-backed efforts.

The signing follows a peace deal last month between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington, which aimed to halt hostilities between the neighboring nations. Tensions remain high, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels—an allegation Kigali denies—while Rwanda accuses Congo’s military of working with the FDLR, a group tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The M23’s resurgence in late 2021 has led to heavy fighting and the seizure of major cities like Goma and Bukavu, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to peace and economic development in the Great Lakes region, urging continued progress toward a final resolution.

Credit: CGTN