The declaration of principles was signed between the Congolese government and the M23 in Doha, under the aegis of Qatari mediation, on the morning of Saturday 19 July 2025. Nothing has been achieved so far, and the declaration of principles essentially covers the points on which the peace agreement will be based.

As soon as it was signed, the two sides had two different interpretations.

The Congolese government says it is satisfied with the signing, and points to the return of state institutions, including the police and army, from areas under the control of the AFC/M23.  “This declaration takes account of the red lines that we have always defended, in particular the non-negotiable withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from the occupied areas, followed by the deployment of our institutions (FARDC, PNC, justice, administration)”, says Patrick Muyaya, Congolese Minister of Communication and government spokesman.

The M23 took a different view of this declaration of principle.
“A bilateral ceasefire has been signed, with a mechanism put in place to establish practical arrangements”, wrote Benjamin Bonimpa, head of the M23 delegation to Qatar and permanent secretary of the M23, on X in the wake of the declaration. “The populations in the AFC/M23 zones can congratulate themselves on the peace and protection they enjoy, because it is an achievement,” he continued.

With regard to the next stage of the process, the two parties undertake to apply the provisions of the Declaration of Principles immediately, by 29 July 2025 at the latest, and to begin negotiations on the peace agreement by 8 August at the latest, with signature expected by 18 August.

Written By Akilimali Chomachoma