بوساطة قطرية.. الكونغو الديمقراطية ومتمردو 23 مارس يوقعان اتفاقاً لحل سلمي للنزاع

In a ceremony following months of Qatari mediation efforts that began in April, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the rebel group Congolese Revolutionary Movement (March 23 Movement) signed a "Declaration of Principles" in Doha today (Saturday), paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict in the region.

During the signing ceremony attended by official representatives from both sides and Qatari officials, the principles agreement was announced, which stipulated that peace agreement negotiations would commence no later than August 8, giving both parties less than two weeks to finalize the agreement if they adhere to the new deadline set for August 18.

The Declaration of Principles included mutual commitments between the two sides, in addition to a general framework that paves the way for constructive negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace agreement, according to a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions are set to continue in the next phase, with active participation from regional and international parties, aiming to reach a final and comprehensive agreement that solidifies security and stability in the region.

Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khalifi emphasized Qatar's commitment to supporting political solution pathways in coordination with the African Union, complementing the progress made with the signing of the peace agreement between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington on June 27, explaining that the declaration represents a pivotal step towards establishing peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as it paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the roots of the conflict, expressing confidence in both parties' commitment to the agreement.

This step is an important development in the efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern Congo region, especially since the "March 23 Movement" controls a larger area of land than ever before in eastern Congo after making rapid advances earlier this year.

U.S. President's Special Advisor for African Affairs, Masad Boulos, stated after the signing ceremony in Doha: "We are confident and optimistic," explaining that the Declaration of Principles represents a first step, but it is an important principle concerning several key issues, including the commitment to an immediate and permanent cessation of violence and attacks, the exchange of prisoners and detainees, the restoration of state authority over all its territories, facilitating the safe and dignified return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes, as well as the initiation of direct negotiations to address the roots of the conflict and reach a comprehensive peace agreement, opening the door for international community support for national reconciliation efforts and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.