DOHA, Qatar — Representatives from six countries, including the United States, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reiterated their commitment to peace, stability, and economic development in the Great Lakes region following high-level discussions in Doha aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.
The meeting, held in the Qatari capital, followed a trilateral summit on March 18 between the heads of state of Rwanda, the DRC, and Qatar. It brought together officials from France, Togo, and the United States, as well as representatives from Rwanda and the DRC, to assess progress and renew calls for a peaceful solution.
“The representatives welcomed the joint declaration between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar, on their commitments to the ceasefire,” the group said in a joint statement released Tuesday. “An urgent priority to facilitate humanitarian assistance.”
The AFC/M23, an armed group operating in eastern DRC, has been at the center of a prolonged conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands and strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali. While previous ceasefires have been short-lived, mediators say the latest agreement marks a step forward.
“We reaffirm our joint position on the urgent need for the disputing parties to resolve this conflict without delay,” the statement said, adding that any solution must align with African Union and United Nations resolutions and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.
The delegates also addressed the deepening humanitarian crisis in the region, calling for “an urgent and coordinated response.” The eastern DRC has seen repeated cycles of violence, with international agencies warning of worsening conditions for civilians.
In addition to Qatar’s mediation efforts, the statement praised the outcomes of recent regional initiatives, including the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on February 8.
“We commend the progress achieved following the joint EAC-SADC summit,” the representatives said, while also recognizing the “significant advancements” symbolized by the signing of the Declaration of Principles in Washington, D.C., on April 25.
The group expressed full support for ongoing regional mediation led by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who has been appointed by the African Union to help guide peace efforts. His role, they noted, remains “central to building mutual trust, sustaining a ceasefire, and promoting a peaceful resolution.”
