African Union welcomes signing of deal between DRC, M23 to end war

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf has welcomed Saturday’s signing of the Declaration of Principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, describing it as a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and stability in eastern DRC.

In a statement, he expressed the AU’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the Declaration of Principles and to contribute to sustainable peace, security and development in the DRC and the wider region.

“He also salutes the spirit of dialogue, compromise and political will demonstrated by the governments of the DRC and Rwanda. This breakthrough offers renewed hope for regional cooperation and sustainable peace,” the statement added.

The agreement lays important groundwork towards a comprehensive peace deal aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.

At the same time, Belgium also welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles, describing it as a crucial moment in the pursuit of peace and security for the people of eastern DRC.

“I commend the leadership of Qatar, and in particular the Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Khulaifi, in this process, and encourage all parties to implement their commitments fully and in good faith to reach a comprehensive peace agreement,” said Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Prévot.

Following the event, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya welcomed the document, stating that it includes clear commitments, notably the withdrawal of M23 forces from DRC territory.

“The Declaration of Principles which has just been signed in Doha with the AFC/M23 under the facilitation of Qatar is based on strict respect for the constitution of the DRC, the United Nations Charter and the African Union Charter, international law and Security Council resolutions, notably resolution 2773, and aligns with the Washington agreement,” Muyaya said on Saturday.

However, his claims were refuted by the head of the AFC/M23 delegation in Doha, who stated that the declaration does not require their withdrawal from eastern DRC.

“Nowhere in the Declaration of Principles does it say that the AFC/M23 must withdraw. The AFC/M23 will not retreat, not even by a single metre. We are staying where we are,” said Benjamin Mbonimpa.

This view was supported by Bertrand Bisimwa, who also rejected Kinshasa’s interpretation.

“The Declaration of Principles signed today (Saturday) in Doha notably provides for the restoration of state authority over the entire national territory: it is not about withdrawal but about mechanisms to empower the state, enabling it to fulfil its prerogatives and obligations,” he said.

Nevertheless, the parties committed, among other things, to maintaining a permanent ceasefire in the region, creating the necessary conditions for the implementation of confidence-building measures, facilitating the safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced persons to their places of origin, and protecting civilian populations with support from MONUSCO.

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