The African Union Commission has welcomed the peace agreement signed in Doha between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, describing it as a major step toward restoring peace in eastern DRC and across the broader Great Lakes region.

The deal, signed with the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), outlines a set of principles aimed at ending the prolonged conflict that has devastated parts of eastern DRC since early 2022.

The agreement calls for an immediate ceasefire, the return of state authority in areas previously controlled by rebels, and the launch of formal peace talks to address the root causes of the crisis.

The fighting, led by the M23 group, began with accusations that the DRC government had failed to integrate Tutsi communities into national institutions. Their insurgency escalated sharply in January 2025 when they captured key urban centres such as Goma and Bukavu in North and South Kivu provinces.

The rebel advance, which the Congolese government says was supported by Rwandan troops—an allegation Kigali denies—has led to widespread destruction. Thousands have died, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee, creating a worsening humanitarian crisis.

In response to growing international concern, Rwanda and the DRC signed a peace accord in Washington in late June, brokered by the United States. That agreement requires Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC within 90 days and sets the stage for joint economic initiatives in the mineral-rich region.

The latest deal in Doha builds on that momentum. It was praised by African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who described it as “a major milestone.” He acknowledged the crucial roles played by both the United States and Qatar in facilitating the talks and welcomed the backing provided by regional blocs including the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community.

Youssouf also thanked Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, for hosting the peace discussions, and recognised the contributions of AU peace champion João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, the President of Angola, and AU mediator Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo.

He applauded the spirit of compromise shown by both the DRC and Rwandan governments, which he said had paved the way for meaningful progress.

The African Union has pledged to support the implementation of the Doha agreement and to continue working with regional and international partners to promote peace, security, and development across the Great Lakes region.