The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 have reached a mutual understanding and a shared commitment to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.
In a joint statement, the DRC and the AFC/M23 said their representatives held peace talks facilitated by the State of Qatar.
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“After frank and constructive discussions, representatives of the DRC and the AFC/M23 agreed to work towards concluding a truce that would contribute to the effectiveness of the ceasefire,” reads part of the statement.
By mutual agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities and a categorical rejection of any hate speech or intimidation.
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They also call on all local communities to uphold these commitments.
Both parties agreed to uphold the aforementioned commitments, which will pave the way for a constructive dialogue to restore lasting peace in the DRC and the region.
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This dialogue will address the root causes of the ongoing crisis as well as the modalities for ending the conflict in the eastern DRC.
Additionally, the representatives of the DRC and the AFC/M23 engaged to immediately respect these commitments throughout the period of the talks and until their conclusion.
“Both parties call upon the Congolese people, religious leaders, and the media to support and amplify this message of hope and peace,” reads another part of the statement.
DRC & M23 Thank Qatar
The representatives of the DRC and the AFC/M23 also expressed their sincere appreciation to the State of Qatar for its continued efforts and unwavering commitment in facilitating these peace talks.
They stated that Qatar helped advance dialogue and promote mutual understanding.
The State of Qatar hosted a bilateral meeting in Doha on March 18, 2025, as part of efforts to ease the situation in the Eastern DRC.
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Kagame & Tshikedi Meeting
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar; Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
They welcomed the progress made in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, as well as the joint EAC-SADC summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8, 2025.
Kagame and Tshikedi reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as agreed at the said summit.
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They also agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha to establish solid foundations for lasting peace as envisioned in the Luanda/Nairobi process, now merged and/or aligned.
Kagame and Tshisekedi Tshilombo thanked Qatar and the Emir for their hospitality and for organizing this fruitful meeting.
The two said the discussion helped build confidence in a shared commitment to a secure and stable future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.o and the region.
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