Doha agreement brings Democratic Republic (DR) Congo government and M23 rebels a step closer to peace
In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, 'reflects the parties' resolve to prioritize peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.'
'This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,' declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. 'We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good faith implementation.'
Those commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.
The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23.
The Mission's statement highlighted the Declaration's emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
MONUSCO's statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
6 minutes ago
- The National
Israel's new ground offensive and Hamas's ceasefire ultimatum
Israel has launched a new ground operation in Gaza. Hamas has given an ultimatum for ceasefire talks. Iran has agreed to hold nuclear talks with Europe's big three. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel launches Deir Al Balah ground operation and attacks areas of Gaza for first time Hamas considering quitting Gaza ceasefire talks unless deal reached by end of week, sources say Iran agrees to hold nuclear talks with Europe's big three This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
US hostage envoy describes 'new sense of ability' to achieve deal with Hamas
US hostage envoy Adam Boehler said he is optimistic about a potential deal between Hamas and Israel that would involve the release of hostages from Gaza. During an appearance on CNN's State of the Union, Mr Boehler told anchor Jake Tapper that negotiations were down to 'little details' and that in his opinion, mentalities have changed significantly in recent months. 'I think that post Israel winning in Iran, there's a new sense of ability to get something done,' he said, cautioning that he felt Hamas was still being 'hardheaded', while Israel was 'bending over backwards'. Mr Boehler also spoke about the two deceased Americans believed to be remaining in Gaza, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen, saying that it was still a major priority for the administration to recover their bodies and 'get them home'. He claimed that during previous occasions when Hamas had turned down potential deals, their negotiating position weakened. 'So my recommendation to Hamas would be take the deal that Israel and the United States is offering you,' he continued. 'Let's get some people home and let's move to end this conflict.' As of June, it was estimated that 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Back in March, Mr Boehler was the source of controversy for the Trump White House when he described Hamas as 'nice guys' and said his country was 'not an agent of Israel'. He later said in a social media post: 'I want to be crystal clear as some have misinterpreted. Hamas is a terrorist organisation that has murdered thousands of innocent people. They are by definition bad people.' Israel's campaign in Gaza – which followed the 2023 attacks by Hamas-led fighters on Israel that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the capture of 240 hostages – has killed nearly 58,895 people and injured more than 140,980. The latest round of Gaza talks mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt began on July 6. On Sunday, sources told The National that Hamas was considering giving Israel and Gaza ceasefire mediators until the end of the week to reach a deal that would end the war or it would withdraw from the current talks in Doha and only return if proposals for a comprehensive deal are on the table. Also on Sunday, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 85 Palestinians waiting for aid had been killed in Gaza – the deadliest day yet for aid-seekers in over 21 months of war. The deaths included 79 people trying to reach aid entering through the Zikim crossing with Israel in northern Gaza, the ministry said. More than 150 people were injured, some of them left in critical condition.
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Aid convoys enter Syria's Sweida after week of bloody clashes
The first humanitarian convoy entered the Druze-majority city of Sweida in southern Syria on Sunday, after a week of deadly clashes. A fragile ceasefire appeared to be holding after Druze fighters reasserted control of their heartland of Sweida city and government troops were sent to the province. Suwayda 24, a network of citizen journalists, said Syrian Red Crescent convoys had entered the city. 'It's the first convoy to enter after the recent events, and it has arrived and is now inside Sweida,' Syrian Red Crescent media and communications official Omar Al Malki told AFP. The aid group had said earlier on Sunday that it dispatched convoys carrying aid to the city that witnessed bloody clashes since Sunday that killed more than 1,000 people, according to UK-base Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). The convoy of 32 vehicles was carrying basics including food, medical and fuel supplies as well as body bags, Mr Al Malki said. Residents of Sweida have been holed up in their homes without electricity and water, and food supplies have been scarce. He said the convoy came 'in co-ordination with the government bodies and the local authorities in Sweida', which are controlled by the Druze. 'Sweida experiences cautious calm' The Syrian Foreign Ministry had said that its own convoy of more than 40 lorries was unable to enter Sweida. 'Outlawed armed militias loyal to Hikmat Al Hijri denied the entry of the convoy', the ministry said, referring to one of the most influential Druze religious leaders. Mr Al Hijri welcomed 'all humanitarian aid' and called for a complete end to the clashes. 'Sweida has been experiencing a cautious calm', Sohr said, adding government security troops had blocked roads leading to the province in order to prevent tribal fighters from going there. The monitor, Druze factions and witnesses have accused government troops of taking the side of Bedouin fighters and carrying out executions in the city. A ceasefire announced by Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara on Saturday ended days of sectarian clashes that killed hundreds from both sides. Sources in neighbouring Jordan told The National on Sunday that the violence had subsided considerably, except for in one pocket near a stretch of Road 109 that connects Sweida to the bordering Deraa province. Syria at 'critical juncture' The Interior Ministry said overnight that Sweida city was 'evacuated of all tribal fighters, and clashes within the city's neighbourhoods were halted'. The UN migration agency said more than 128,000 people in Sweida province have been displaced by the violence. US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said on Sunday that the country stood at a 'critical juncture', adding that 'peace and dialogue must prevail and prevail now'. Mr Barrack had announced a ceasefire between Syria and Israel the day before, after Israeli strikes bombed government troops in Sweida and Damascus in the last week. Israel claims to be protecting the Druze community – which it also hosts and members enrol in the army – but analysts and diplomats have expressed scepticism over Israeli intentions to use the minority to weaken the Syrian government. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday urged the Syrian government's security troops to prevent jihadists from entering and 'carrying out massacres' in the south, and called on Damascus to 'bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks'.
