Declaration of Principles between the Representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Representatives of Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement (AFC/M23) (the Parties), in Support of a Pathway to a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Facilitated by the State of Qatar

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Country/entity: Democratic Republic of Congo
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Declaration of Principles between the Representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Representatives of Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement (AFC/M23) (the Parties), in Support of a Pathway to a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Facilitated by the State of Qatar
Date: 19 Jul 2025
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Congo Civil Wars (1996 - )
The overthrow of the long-term dictator Mobutu Sese Seko by a rebel Tutsi army backed by Uganda and Rwanda in 1997 acted as a catalyst for a war with regional dimensions, mainly fought in the eastern Kivu provinces. The conflict escalated in 1998, when President Laurent Kabila, then backed by Zimbabwean and Angolan troops, ordered Rwanda and Uganda to leave. After Kabila’s assassination in 2001, his son Joseph took over the presidency and won in the 2006 democratic elections.

In the eastern provinces, Tutsi-led militias, mainly organised in the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), fought the remnants of the Rwandan Hutu force FDLR, with further involvement of Rwandan and Ugandan troops. Other regionally operating militia groups, like the Lord’s Resistance Army from Northern Uganda, the so-called Mai Mai groups or guerrilla outfits like the March 23 Movement (M23) further contributed, and still contribute, to the complexity of the situation in eastern DRC.

Following Joseph Kabila's departure in 2019, his successor Félix Tshisekedi faced renewed instability as the M23 rebel group, dormant since 2013, resumed operations in late 2021 with substantial Rwandan support. In January 2025, M23 forces backed by Rwandan troops captured the regional capital Goma in the most serious escalation since the Second Congo War. This prompted U.S. mediation under President Trump, leading to talks in Qatar in March 2025 and a preliminary peace agreement signed in Washington on June 27, 2025. The Washington Accords were formally signed by Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame on December 4, 2025, committing Rwanda to withdraw troops and cease M23 support while the DRC pledged to neutralize the FDLR and establish regional economic integration with significant U.S. commercial involvement. However, fighting continues as of late 2025, with both sides accused of violating commitments.
Stage: Pre-negotiation/process
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: DRC: the Doha Track for Eastern DRC
Parties: For the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
Mr. Sumbu Sita Mambu, Senior Representative of the President in charge of Luanda and Nairobi processes

For the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement (AFC/M23):
Mr. Benjamin MBONIMPA, Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23
Third parties: -
Description: This Declaration of Principles establishes a framework for peace negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebel movement, facilitated by Qatar. The parties commit to a permanent ceasefire, confidence-building measures including ICRC-facilitated prisoner releases, and restoration of government authority throughout DRC territory.

Agreement document: CD_250719_Declaration of Principles between the Government of DRC and Alliance Fleuve Congo March 23rd Movement (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Source of document: https://x.com/ktpressrwanda/status/1946677385388347660

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
7. PEACE AGREEMENT
• The Parties recognize the importance of having a peace agreement that aim to guarantee security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of the human rights of the people of DRC, and the safe and dignified return of refugees while addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
5. RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND REFUGEES
• The Parties commit to facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their areas or countries of origin, in accordance with the tripartite, the DRC-Country of exile-UNHCR.
This process will be conducted in compliance with the international humanitarian law.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
...
The Parties reaffirm their attachment to the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the DRC.
...
4. RESTORING GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY
• The Parties acknowledge that the restoration of government authority is the logical consequence of effectively addressing the reasons of the conflict through a peace agreement.
• The Parties recognize that the complete restoration of state authority on all national territories constitutes a key component for the peace agreement, which will include the modalities and process of such restoration.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: 3. CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES
...
○ Establish a mechanism facilitated by ICRC, in the context of the Congolese law, to arrange for the release of prisoners/detainees of interest held by either Party.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: 5. RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND REFUGEES
• The Parties commit to facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their areas or countries of origin, in accordance with the tripartite, the DRC-Country of exile-UNHCR.
This process will be conducted in compliance with the international humanitarian law.
...
7. PEACE AGREEMENT
• The Parties recognize the importance of having a peace agreement that aim to guarantee security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of the human rights of the people of DRC, and the safe and dignified return of refugees while addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
...
• In reference to the fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Charter of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, and the international law, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful means, in the interest of protecting the people of the DRC.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Other
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
...
• The Parties commit to overcoming the divisions that weaken national unity, improving the living conditions of the population, and rejecting all forms of dehumanizing speech in order to promote peace and reconciliation.
...
2. PERMANENT CEASEFIRE
...
○ Hate propaganda;
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
...
• In reference to the fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Charter of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, and the international law, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful means, in the interest of protecting the people of the DRC.
• The Parties commit to fully cooperate with international and regional organizations to ensure the ability to protect civilians and to advance the implementation of the present Declaration of Principles.
...
6. MONUSCO AND REGIONAL MECHANISMS
• The Parties in principle commit to protecting, facilitating, and promoting the protection of civilian populations, as well as the implementation of the ceasefire with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms where appropriate for an agreed verification mechanism.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Socio-economic development
7. PEACE AGREEMENT
• The Parties recognize the importance of having a peace agreement that aim to guarantee security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of the human rights of the people of DRC, and the safe and dignified return of refugees while addressing the root causes of the conflict.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: 7. PEACE AGREEMENT
• The Parties recognize the importance of having a peace agreement that aim to guarantee security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of the human rights of the people of DRC, and the safe and dignified return of refugees while addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
2. PERMANENT CEASEFIRE
...
• The Parties commit to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire, that includes the following:
○ Air, land, sea or lakes attacks, as well as all acts of sabotage;
○ Hate propaganda;
○ Any attempt to seize by force new positions on the ground;
• The Parties commit to ensure that the ceasefire applies to all forces engaged in the conflict.
An oversight and verification mechanism will be created to define the modalities of the ceasefire and insure its proper implementation.
• The Parties convene to refrain from any action that may hinder the normal progress of cease fire process.
...
6. MONUSCO AND REGIONAL MECHANISMS
• The Parties in principle commit to protecting, facilitating, and promoting the protection of civilian populations, as well as the implementation of the ceasefire with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms where appropriate for an agreed verification mechanism.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: No specific mention.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: 3. CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES
...
○ Establish a mechanism facilitated by ICRC, in the context of the Congolese law, to arrange for the release of prisoners/detainees of interest held by either Party.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
...
• The Parties commit to fully cooperate with international and regional organizations to ensure the ability to protect civilians and to advance the implementation of the present Declaration of Principles.
...
6. MONUSCO AND REGIONAL MECHANISMS
• The Parties in principle commit to protecting, facilitating, and promoting the protection of civilian populations, as well as the implementation of the ceasefire with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms where appropriate for an agreed verification mechanism.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES BETWEEN THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF ALLIANCE FLEUVE CONGO/MARCH 23RD MOVEMENT (AFC/M23) (THE PARTIES), IN SUPPORT OF A PATHWAY TO A COMPREHENSIVE PEACE AGREEMENT, FACILITATED BY THE STATE OF QATAR

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• The Parties recognize that lasting peace is the essential foundation for building a united, prosperous, and secure nation, for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

• In reference to the fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Charter of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions, and the international law, the Parties reaffirm their commitment to resolving the conflict through peaceful means, in the interest of protecting the people of the DRC.

• The Parties commit to fully cooperate with international and regional organizations to ensure the ability to protect civilians and to advance the implementation of the present Declaration of Principles.

• The Parties commit to a pathway to resolve their disputes by peaceful means grounded in diplomacy and negotiation rather than hostile force or rhetoric, in consistent with the EAC-SADC framework, as endorsed by the African Union.

• The Parties commit to transcend the past and open a new chapter of mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence, and stability.

• The Parties commit to overcoming the divisions that weaken national unity, improving the living conditions of the population, and rejecting all forms of dehumanizing speech in order to promote peace and reconciliation.

The Parties reaffirm their attachment to the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the DRC.

• The Parties reaffirm the commitments made in their Joint Declaration of April 23, 2025.

2. PERMANENT CEASEFIRE

• The Parties acknowledge that peace, security, and stability are essential to increase development opportunities, improve living conditions, and protect human dignity.

• The Parties commit to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire, that includes the following:

○ Air, land, sea or lakes attacks, as well as all acts of sabotage;

○ Hate propaganda;

○ Any attempt to seize by force new positions on the ground;

• The Parties commit to ensure that the ceasefire applies to all forces engaged in the conflict.

An oversight and verification mechanism will be created to define the modalities of the ceasefire and insure its proper implementation.

• The Parties convene to refrain from any action that may hinder the normal progress of cease fire process.

3. CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES

• The Parties commit to take measures that reassure the population of DRC and create favorable conditions for dialogue leading to lasting peace.

• The Parties underscore the importance of according to a sense of urgency to the implementation of each confidence building measure, recognizing their critical role in fostering trust and advancing the peace process.

• The Parties commit to creating the necessary conditions for the implementation of confidence-building measures.

These measures include the following:

○ Establish a mechanism facilitated by ICRC, in the context of the Congolese law, to arrange for the release of prisoners/detainees of interest held by either Party.

4. RESTORING GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY

• The Parties acknowledge that the restoration of government authority is the logical consequence of effectively addressing the reasons of the conflict through a peace agreement.

• The Parties recognize that the complete restoration of state authority on all national territories constitutes a key component for the peace agreement, which will include the modalities and process of such restoration.

5. RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND REFUGEES

• The Parties commit to facilitating the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their areas or countries of origin, in accordance with the tripartite, the DRC-Country of exile-UNHCR.

This process will be conducted in compliance with the international humanitarian law.

6. MONUSCO AND REGIONAL MECHANISMS

• The Parties in principle commit to protecting, facilitating, and promoting the protection of civilian populations, as well as the implementation of the ceasefire with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms where appropriate for an agreed verification mechanism.

7. PEACE AGREEMENT

• The Parties recognize the importance of having a peace agreement that aim to guarantee security, sustainable development, social justice, and the protection of the human rights of the people of DRC, and the safe and dignified return of refugees while addressing the root causes of the conflict.

• The Parties commit to implementing the provisions of this Declaration of Principles immediately upon its signature and no later than 29 July 2025.

• The Parties further commit to entering into direct negotiations immediately following the implementation of the provisions of this Declaration of Principles, to start negotiating a peace agreement no later than 8 August 2025.

These negotiations shall align with the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda signed in Washington on 27 June 2025.

• The Parties commit to negotiating a comprehensive peace agreement in a spirit of responsibility and cooperation, with the shared goal of reaching consensus and signing the agreement no later than 18 August 2025.

• The Parties appreciates the essential role played by the State of Qatar in facilitating this dialogue between the Parties that led to the present Declaration of Principles.

• The Parties express their appreciation for the constructive role played by the United States of America in supporting the Doha peace talks.

• The Parties express their appreciation for the efforts made by the African Union since the inception of the peace process, and for its continued commitment to supporting regional stability and reconciliation.

Signed in Doha, State of Qatar on 19 July 2025, in duplicate, in the French and English languages.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO:

Mr. Sumbu Sita Mambu

Senior Representative of the President

in charge of Luanda and Nairobi processes.

FOR THE ALLIANCE FLEUVE CONGO/MARCH 23RD MOVEMENT (AFC/M23):

Mr. Benjamin MBONIMPA

Permanent Secretary

of AFC/M23