The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has called upon parties to respect the Kinshasa-AFC/M23 Declaration of Principles.
Signed Saturday in Doha under the mediation of the State of Qatar, MONUSCO urges parties to act in good faith and prioritize human rights, security and the aspirations of the Congolese people.
“This declaration seeks to ease tensions in favour of protection of civilian populations affected by the conflict. We welcome the commitments made and call for their implementation in good faith within the prescribed timeframe,” said Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO.
The declration also encourages inclusive dialogue crucial in addressing root causes of the conflict and establishing lasting peace.
“MONUSCO urges all parties to respect their commitments, to act in good faith at every stage of the process, and to prioritize human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions,” the press release reads in part.
The text, initialed after three months of direct negotiations facilitated by the State of Qatar, aims to frame the next steps in the peace process.
According to the document, the Parties commit to implementing the provisions of this Declaration of Principles immediately after its signing, and no later than July 29, 2025.
The Parties agree to open direct negotiations immediately after the implementation of the commitments contained in this Declaration of Principles, with a view to launching discussions on a peace agreement no later than August 8, 2025.
Negotiations will be part of the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, signed in Washington on June 27, 2025.
The Parties undertake to conduct negotiations for a comprehensive peace agreement in a spirit of responsibility, cooperation and compromise, with the objective of reaching consensus and signing the agreement no later than August 17, 2025.
The Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi’s mediation facilitated this rapprochement.
