A New Chapter in the Conflict: Peace Talks Between Congolese Government and Rebels
After three months of intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels have signed a declaration of principles agreement in Doha on Saturday, July 19. This marks the first-ever direct talks between the two parties since the M23 rebellion resurfaced in 2021. The agreement is the result of five rounds of discussions, highlighting a significant shift in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The M23 group is now part of a larger rebel coalition called the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which was formed in December 2023. Led by Corneille Nangaa, a former chairman of the national electoral commission, the AFC aims to promote governance that supports basic human rights, ensures the safety of all citizens, and addresses the root causes of conflict. The movement has vowed to combat tribalism, nepotism, corruption, and other systemic issues that have plagued the region for years.
Since early 2025, the rebels have gained control over large areas in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. Despite this, the Congolese government and the rebels had previously agreed to an immediate cessation of hostilities after meeting in Qatar in April. However, the peace efforts did not fully prevent continued violence.
Key Points of the Declaration of Principles
Although the full details of the declaration are yet to be made public, officials from both sides have shared insights through social media. Benjamin Mbonimpa, the AFC/M23 permanent secretary and head of the delegation at the Doha talks, emphasized that the agreement focuses on a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He stated that the parties agreed on the need for a bilateral ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to determine practical modalities for implementation. Additionally, they committed to the release of prisoners and facilitating the voluntary return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places of origin.
Mbonimpa also mentioned that addressing the root causes of the conflict would be the focus of the second phase of dialogue. DR Congo’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, noted that the Doha declaration aligns with the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and DR Congo in Washington DC on June 27. He highlighted that the agreement emphasizes respect for the DRC Constitution, the UN Charter, and international law.
However, the rebels did not confirm the claim that the declaration includes the non-negotiable withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from occupied territories. This discrepancy raises questions about the true extent of the agreement and its enforceability.
Ongoing Challenges and Concerns
Despite the signing of the declaration, the situation on the ground remains tense. On July 17, the rebels warned that Kinshasa continued its military offensives. They reiterated their commitment to protecting civilian populations and eliminating any threats at their source. Two days earlier, the rebels accused government forces of killing four of their members, which they described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions.”
The Doha talks are intended to complement the June 27 peace agreement between Rwanda and DR Congo. However, the rebels have cited several violations, including the bombing of a humanitarian aid plane in South Kivu shortly after the Washington deal. They blamed the attack on a coalition of Congolese government forces and allied militias, including the Burundian army (FNDB), the Rwandan genocidal militia FDLR, and the Congolese Wazalendo militia.
FDLR, a terrorist militia backed by the DRC government, was founded by remnants of the masterminds of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The rebels have accused the Congolese government of obstructing the Doha talks by failing to implement confidence-building measures. These measures are crucial for facilitating meaningful dialogue and ensuring the success of the peace process.
Looking Ahead
With the declaration of principles signed, much will depend on what happens next on the ground. The success of the agreement hinges on the willingness of both parties to uphold their commitments and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. As the situation evolves, the international community will be watching closely to ensure that the promises made in Doha translate into tangible progress for the people of eastern DRC.