AUC Chairperson welcomes peace agreement between DR Congo and Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has warmly welcomed the signing of a Peace Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on Saturday in Doha, Qatar.
A press release by the African Union said this “significant development marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region”.
He applauded the constructive role played by the United States Administration and the State of Qatar, and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders, including the regional facilitators from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Mr. Youssouf thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, for his “continued dedication and positive engagement in advancing peace and stability across Africa”.
The press release said he commended the tireless efforts of the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço,, and the AU-appointed Mediator, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo.
He also saluted “the spirit of dialogue, compromise, and political will” demonstrated by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda.
“This breakthrough offers renewed hope for regional cooperation and sustainable peace,” Mr. Youssouf said.
“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,” he added.
Last month, Rwanda and DRC signed a peace agreement in Washington, DC, that US officials said would end a 30-year conflict between them and set both countries and their people on a path towards peace and prosperity.
The DRC foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, signed on behalf of her Government, and Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.
US Secretary of state Marco Rubio signed as a witness.
The US said the Ministerial signing of the Peace Agreement marked “a historic milestone in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for the DRC, Rwanda, and the broader Great Lakes region of Africa”.
It said building upon the Declaration of Principles signed by both parties on 25 April , 2025, “the agreement reflects months of sustained negotiations”, led by Senior Advisor Boulos.
“These discussions addressed longstanding issues of governance, security, and economic integration and laid the foundation for a comprehensive agreement that confronts the root causes of a protracted conflict and supports a sustainable path toward regional peace and stability,” the US State Department said.
“The Peace Agreement entered into force upon signature, and the United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting its full and timely implementation.”
The statement said, in close coordination with the African Union, Qatar, and Togo, the United States will continue to engage both parties to ensure implementation of the obligations laid out in the agreement.
It added that in the coming weeks, the US looked forward to hosting a Summit of the Heads of State of Rwanda and DRC at the White House to further advance peace, stability, and mutual economic prosperity.
The conflict in eastern DRC has impacted millions of people who urgently need international assistance than they are getting.
The M23 rebels have captured large swathes of land in eastern DRC which is a no go area for the Kinshasa government.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has flagged that Rwandan-backed rebels, DRC troops, and allied militias have all committed human rights abuses in eastern DRC, some possibly amounting to war crimes.
-0- PANA MA 19July2025
