World leaders welcome signed Doha framework for a comprehensive peace agreement between AFC/M23 and the DRC government

Rwanda, French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, and other leaders have welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, calling it a key step toward lasting peace in eastern DRC. On November 15, 2025, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel coalition signed a framework agreement in Doha, Qatar. The signing ceremony was attended by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Kh

Rwanda, French President Emmanuel Macron, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, and other leaders have welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, calling it a key step toward lasting peace in eastern DRC. On November 15, 2025, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel coalition signed a framework agreement in Doha, Qatar. The signing ceremony was attended by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, and Massad Boulos, Advisor to the President of the United States on African Partnerships. This peace agreement is seen as an important step in ongoing efforts to stabilize a region that has endured conflict for more than two decades. Benjamin Mbonimpa, Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, explained that the framework signed in Qatar consists of eight implementation protocols designed to address the root causes of the conflict in the DRC. Mbonimpa stated that each protocol will be discussed progressively until all its provisions are fully respected, and that a timeline has been established for these discussions. He emphasized that only after all protocol issues are addressed will AFC/M23 and the DRC Government sign a comprehensive peace agreement. Among the protocols is one focused on cooperation to restore state institutions and public services in eastern DRC, to be implemented in phases through collaboration between the Government and AFC/M23. Another protocol concerns a mutual agreement to adopt temporary security measures aimed at maintaining public order and protecting civilians. The parties also agreed to establish an independent national commission to promote truth, reconciliation, and accountability for crimes, as well as to plan the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the Doha agreement between the DRC and M23. “After so much suffering, a genuine opening for peace and a glimmer of hope for all. Thank you to all parties for their constructive spirit and to Qatar for its decisive role,” he wrote on X. He added that France will continue to work for peace, stability, and support for local populations, in the spirit of the Great Lakes Conference held in Paris in October. Massad Boulos wrote on X that, taken together, the commitments in the agreement will strengthen the foundation for peace, stability, and the rebuilding of trust in affected communities. He added that the United States applauds the parties for this achievement and thanks Qatar for facilitating the process. According to a statement from Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the agreement marks an important step toward definitively addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC and overcoming obstacles to peace in the Great Lakes region. “Rwanda commends the important and sustained engagement of the State of Qatar as mediator, as well as the support of the United States Government and of the African Union,” the ministry said. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission also welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the DRC and AFC/M23. “This landmark step represents a significant advance toward restoring stability, rebuilding trust, and addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC,” the African Union said in its statement. The Chairperson commended the parties for demonstrating courage, political will, and commitment to dialogue, and expressed deep appreciation to the State of Qatar for its constructive facilitation and steadfast support for the peace process, as well as to the United States for accompanying these efforts. So far, the Doha negotiations have produced several key agreements, including a declaration of principles, a prisoner exchange deal, and the creation of a mechanism to monitor compliance with the ceasefire. However, the implementation of these agreements has faced challenges. M23 has repeatedly accused the Congolese army and its allies of launching airstrikes, drone attacks, and heavy shelling in densely populated areas under its control. On the prisoner exchange, M23 claims that the Congolese government has not released any of its members, while the group itself has freed more than 1,300 soldiers captured in areas it controls.