A New Dawn for the DRC: Insights into the Peace Declaration

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

Between the Government of the DRC and AFC/M23, facilitated by Qatar

1. General Principles

   • Both parties acknowledge that sustainable peace is crucial for building a unified, prosperous, and secure DRC.
   • They reaffirm their commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, guided by the DRC Constitution, the African Union Charter, the United Nations Charter, and international law.
   • The parties agree to cooperate with international and regional organizations to protect civilians and implement this Declaration.
   • They commit to resolving disputes through diplomacy and negotiation, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and stability.
   • The parties reject divisive rhetoric and commit to improving living conditions for all citizens while upholding the DRC's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
   • They reaffirm commitments made in a prior joint Declaration dated April 23, 2025.

2. Permanent Ceasefire

   • The parties recognize that peace and stability are essential for development and human dignity.
   • They commit to a permanent ceasefire that prohibits attacks from air, land, or water, as well as acts of sabotage and hate propaganda.
   • An oversight mechanism will be established to ensure compliance with the ceasefire, which will apply to all conflict parties.
   • The parties agree to avoid actions that could disrupt the ceasefire process.

3. Confidence-Building Measures

   • The parties will implement measures to reassure the DRC population and foster an environment conducive to dialogue.
   • They emphasize the urgency of these measures in building trust and advancing peace.
   • One proposed measure is to establish a mechanism, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), for the release of detainees held by either party.

4. Restoration of Government Authority

   • The restoration of government authority is seen as essential for addressing the root causes of the conflict.
   • The parties recognize that restoring state authority across all national territories is critical to the peace agreement.

5. Return of Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees

   • The parties commit to facilitating the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons, in line with international humanitarian law.

6. MONUSCO and Regional Mechanisms

   • The parties agree to protect civilian populations and implement the ceasefire with support from MONUSCO and other regional mechanisms.

7. Peace Agreement

   • The parties acknowledge the necessity of a peace agreement that ensures security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of human rights in the DRC.
   • They commit to implementing the provisions of this Declaration immediately, no later than July 29, 2025.
   • Direct negotiations for a peace agreement will commence immediately after this implementation, with a target date of August 8, 2025, aligning with a previous agreement between the DRC and Rwanda signed on June 27, 2025.
   • The parties aim to finalize a comprehensive peace agreement by August 18, 2025, in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation.
   • They express gratitude to Qatar for facilitating the dialogue and acknowledge the constructive roles of the United States and the African Union in supporting the peace process.

This Declaration was signed in Doha, Qatar, on July 19, 2025, in both French and English.

For the Government of the DRC: Mr. Sumbu Sita Mambu
Senior Representative of the President for Luanda and Nairobi processes.

For the AFC/M23: Mr. Benjamin MBONIMPA
Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23.