Representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the armed coalition AFC/M23 have signed a set of foundational principles intended to guide both sides toward a sustainable peace agreement.
According to Benjamin Mbonimpa, the Executive Secretary of AFC/M23, the document signed in Qatar on November 15, 2025 contains eight key principles designed to address the root causes of the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC.
Mbonimpa explained that each principle will be examined in a structured dialogue process, with agreed-upon timelines guiding discussions and implementation. He stressed that the signing does not immediately change the situation on the ground but lays the groundwork for a comprehensive peace accord. “Nothing will change in the field until these principles are fully discussed and a final, inclusive peace agreement is reached,” he said.
“We ask our people to remain patient; the journey ahead is still long.”
Core Elements of the Principles
Among the agreed principles is a framework for restoring state authority and public services in eastern DRC. This will be carried out in phases and through joint coordination between the government and AFC/M23.
A second principle outlines temporary security measures to protect civilians and maintain calm in areas affected by the conflict.
The parties also committed to establishing an independent national commission mandated to promote truth-seeking, reconciliation, accountability for crimes committed, and a structured approach to reconstruction.
International Observers Welcome the Step
The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on Africa Partnerships.
Boulos acknowledged that the path toward a full peace deal remains complex but expressed optimism. “There is still considerable work to be done before AFC/M23 and the DRC government reach a final peace agreement,” he said. “It will take time, though not an excessively long one.”
The agreement on foundational principles marks one of the most significant steps in recent years toward resolving one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts.
