Tunisia welcomes Doha peace agreement signed by DRC and AFC/M23 rebels
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Tunisia on Monday welcomed the peace agreement signed on 19 July in Doha, Qatar, between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rebel Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).
The agreement marks the start of direct negotiations between the two parties, under the auspices of Qatar, said the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praising the “constructive efforts” of the Qatari authorities and their role as mediators.
“Based on its commitment to the principles of peaceful conflict resolution and dialogue as the preferred path to lasting political solutions”, Tunisia expressed the hope that the agreement would lead to the establishment of mutual confidence-building measures between the warring parties.
Tunisia also expressed its hope that this breakthrough would help to end the long-standing conflict in the DRC, while preserving the unity and sovereignty of the Central African country. Tunisia also stressed the importance of this momentum for the consolidation of peace and stability across the continent.
According to the Qatari authorities, the document paves the way for direct negotiations aimed at achieving comprehensive peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Among the measures envisaged are the exchange of prisoners, the restoration of state authority and the safe return of displaced persons and refugees.
The United Nations Secretary-General has also welcomed the agreement, seeing it as “a major step” towards a lasting ceasefire and the return of displaced populations.
The AFC/M23 is a rebel group active in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Formed in 2012 from a mutiny of former rebels integrated into the DR Congo army, it claims to defend the rights of Congolese Tutsis, but is accused of serious abuses against civilians and of receiving support from Rwanda.
Its offensive has caused thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
-0- PANA YY/IN/JSG/BBA/MA 22July2025
