How the international community welcomed the signed AFC/M23–DR Congo declaration of principles

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union (AU) Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, French President Emmanuel Macron, Massad Boulus, the U.S. President’s senior advisor for Africa, David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, and other key global leaders have welcomed the Declaration of Principles signed between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement (AFC/M23). The agreement was signed on Saturday, July 19, in Doha, Qatar, by representatives of both parties. Following the signing of the Declaration of

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union (AU) Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, French President Emmanuel Macron, Massad Boulus, the U.S. President’s senior advisor for Africa, David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, and other key global leaders have welcomed the Declaration of Principles signed between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23rd Movement (AFC/M23). The agreement was signed on Saturday, July 19, in Doha, Qatar, by representatives of both parties. Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles, establishing a pathway toward a comprehensive peace agreement and facilitated by the State of Qatar, the international community praised the deal as a significant momentum for peace, rekindling hope and confidence for the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region. UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting peace efforts. “The UN remains committed to supporting efforts toward peace, protection of civilians & stability in the DRC in close collaboration with national authorities, regional & international partners,” the UN chief wrote on X. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said the agreement marks “a major milestone” in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. “The African Union remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement and to contribute to sustainable peace, security, and development in the DRC and the region,” read the AU’s statement. French President Emmanuel Macron also welcomed the signed declaration, commending Qatar’s mediation. “I welcome the agreement in principle between the DRC and M23/AFC, thanks to the mediation of Qatar and its Emir. For the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region, the momentum for peace rekindles hope and confidence. France will continue its efforts in support of peace,” he noted. Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said the declaration represents a crucial step in the pursuit of peace. “Belgium welcomes the signature of a Declaration of Principles between the DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha. This development marks a crucial moment in the pursuit of peace and security for the people of eastern DRC,” he said, urging all parties to fully and faithfully implement their commitments to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. Massad Boulus, the U.S. President’s senior advisor for Africa, called the signing a significant step toward a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. “This declaration underscores a shared commitment to dialogue, accountability, and a path toward stability and prosperity for the people of the region,” he said. “We commend Qatar’s leadership and the parties for their efforts to advance peace and encourage continued progress to restore state authority, foster inclusive governance, and enable the safe return of displaced communities,” he added. The Government of Rwanda also welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Doha. “The Government of Rwanda appreciates the crucial mediation role of the State of Qatar with the support of the United States Government, which builds on the efforts of the African Union, as well as the joint EAC/SADC initiatives, and has contributed to the milestone achieved today in Doha. We all have to support continuation of progress to the conclusion. “Rwanda remains committed to contributing to sustainable peace as well as economic development in the Great Lakes region,” reads a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.