The March 23 Movement (M23), a Rwandan-backed armed group, and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a ceasefire agreement in Qatar on Saturday, July 19. The signing of this declaration aims at the commitment of both parties to respect a permanent ceasefire, to refrain from any action likely to hinder the normal progress of the peace process in eastern DRC, and to restore peace and security in this region.
On July 19, 2025, the Congolese government and the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels signed a declaration of principle aimed at ending hostilities and initiating a sustainable de-escalation process in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The signing of this declaration, which took place at a location kept confidential for security reasons, marks an important step in peace efforts supported by Qatar, the United States, and several regional mediators, including the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and representatives of the UN.
“What do we want from Kinshasa? We want the restitution of the occupied territories, we want the disarmament and demolition of the M23, and finally, we especially want the return of state authority over the entire territory, particularly in the occupied territories. So where it’s stuck is that beyond the M23’s demands, there is another demand that seems quite new to me, which is that the M23 wants the Congolese government to leave them exclusive management of the occupied territories.”
Ben Luther Touere, Expert in public law – DR Congo
According to experts, the issues raised by the declaration of principles signed between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels are numerous, complex, and deeply rooted in the political, social, and security history of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The main objectives are: the restoration of peace and security in eastern DRC, the restoration of Congolese state authority, the return and resettlement of displaced persons, as well as economic development and reconstruction. With this agreement, the parties commit to respecting their commitment to a permanent ceasefire and refrain from any action that could hinder the normal progress of the ceasefire process in eastern DRC.
“Doha will be a victory, it will be the accomplishment of the strategic victory of Félix Tshisekedi because in reality Rwanda will be obliged already through diplomacy, if not through economic sanctions if it does not do so, to detach itself from its support for the M23 and the M23 if it continues to play this little game, it is the third segment that will be activated, the military segment to put an end to the M23.”
Guy Mafimba, Political analyste – Congo
Rich in natural resources, particularly minerals, eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for over 30 years. Violence has intensified in recent months in this region bordering Rwanda, with a lightning offensive by the M23 and Rwandan troops (FDR) on Goma and Bukavu, facing an overwhelmed Congolese army. This violence has left thousands dead, according to the Congolese government and the UN, and has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis for hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
