The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebels have announced, in a joint declaration, their commitment to an immediate ceasefire, following talks mediated by Qatar.
After around three weeks of negotiations, the two parties agreed to sign a joint declaration to give progress a chance at the talks which began in Doha, Qatar. Two communiqués with the same content were signed separately by the Government in Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 in Goma on April 23, 2025.
The two parties agreed to work towards the conclusion of a truce that would allow the establishment of an effective ceasefire. They reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The joint communiqué states that respect for these commitments by both parties will pave the way for a constructive dialogue to restore lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region. “This dialogue will address the root causes of the current crisis, as well as the modalities for putting an end to the conflict in the eastern territories of the DRC”, says the communiqué.
“These commitments will also be respected by both parties throughout the duration of the talks until their conclusion,” agreed the Kinshasa and AFC/M23 authorities.
The Qatari mediation welcomed this significant breakthrough in the negotiations. Having succeeded in bringing together Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame, presidents of the DRC and Rwanda respectively, the kingdom is delighted. “We are pleased to note the collaborative efforts and this joint declaration between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23,” wrote Majed Al Ansari, Prime Minister of Qatar.
Doha’s first agreement with Qatar will be put to the same test as the other processes that have attempted to reconcile Kinshasa, Kigali and the M23. Respect for this immediate ceasefire will be one of the first barometers of this dialogue, as in the recent past ceasefires have been declared unilaterally or collectively, but clashes have continued on the ground.
Written by Akilimali Chomachoma