Doha, Qatar – July 19, 2025 – In a significant step toward ending years of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group have pledged to sign a comprehensive peace agreement by August 18, 2025. The commitment was made during a ceremony held in Doha, following months of Qatari-mediated negotiations.
Representatives from both parties signed a Declaration of Principles, marking a new timeline toward lasting peace. This comes after extensive diplomatic efforts since April and a breakthrough meeting in March between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brokered by Qatar.
The United States, which has facilitated separate talks between Congo and Rwanda, welcomed the development. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce commended the progress, stating it is a meaningful step toward lasting peace in the Great Lakes region. The U.S. has expressed interest in stabilizing the region to unlock its vast mineral wealth, which includes cobalt, copper, gold, tantalum, and lithium.
Key Points of the Agreement:
- A peace deal is to be finalized by August 18, with formal negotiations beginning no later than August 8.
- The declaration emphasizes the restoration of state authority across the entire national territory.
- Points of contention such as; the release of detained M23 fighters and reopening banks in rebel-held areas remain unresolved.
- The agreement does not yet outline the withdrawal of M23 or Rwandan forces from eastern Congo.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, stated that the declaration lays a foundation for broader national unity, incorporating various armed factions that choose dialogue over violence.
Despite Congo previously branding M23 a terrorist group and refusing negotiations, the current shift indicates mounting international and regional pressure to bring the conflict to an end.
Conflict Background
The M23 rebel group has been in control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, since January 2025, and has expanded across North and South Kivu provinces. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year alone. Rwanda, while accused of backing M23, has denied direct involvement, claiming self-defensive action against Congolese forces and militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
Congo government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya reaffirmed that the country remains firm on its “non-negotiable” demand for M23’s full withdrawal.
Next Steps
Negotiators have less than a month to bridge remaining gaps. The international community continues to urge all parties to remain committed to dialogue and avoid further escalation.
Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump – who has taken a keen interest in facilitating the peace process – expressed optimism: “We are confident and hopeful. Both Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame are committed to resolving this.”
