Latest news with #M23
Qatar Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
AU applauds Qatar's constructive role in signing DRC peace agreement
Addis Ababa The African Union has expressed its appreciation for the pivotal role played by the State of Qatar in facilitating the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), which took place in Doha on Saturday. In a statement, Chairperson of the African Union Commission HE Mahmoud Ali Youssouf applauded the State of Qatar's sincere efforts in promoting peace and stability across the African continent. He commended the constructive role of the United States administration, as well as the valuable contributions made by regional partners, including the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). "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," the statement said. The State of Qatar hosted in Doha on Saturday the signing ceremony of a Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/M23; a move that marks a key step forward in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern Congo. The signing of the declaration is the result of Qatar's diplomatic efforts over recent months, during which it worked to create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue between the parties, paving the way for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict in the region.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
BNP senior leader urges interim govt to hasten its work on reforms, national charter, elections
World Dhaka, July 19 (UNI) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) General Secretary Fakhrul Mirza Islam Alamgir urging the interim government to speed up its work before the upcoming elections, said that the administration's work must expediate three key things – reforms, a national charter, and elections – warning that any further delay only will only complicate matters. "The sooner we move forward with reforms, a national charter, and elections without delay, the better it will be for the country," he said at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club today, reports Daily Star. "I've said it many times before and I'm saying it again -- do not delay. The more you delay, the more complicated the situation becomes," he warned. The BNP leader further claimed that the 'anti-democracy' forces who opposed the July Uprising are regrouping to subvert democracy and "destroy the democratic process". Urging the interim administration to resolve all outstanding issues via dialogue, the BNP leader added "It was us who proposed the reforms. The issues within them can be resolved through dialogue. Without unnecessary delay, identify the problems, talk to political parties, and move towards elections -- that is the only way forward." Stressing on the importance of an acceptable framework for elections, Alamgir said "We hope those in charge will present an arrangement acceptable to all parties. Once we reach a consensus, we will take it to the people." Reaffirming BNP's stance, he said, "We have no intention of coming to power through a revolution. We want to take responsibility through elections with people's support and build a welfare-oriented, democratic nation." UNI XC ANV GNK More News Trump mocks BRICS nations, says his 10 pc tariff threat 'hit them very hard' 20 Jul 2025 | 2:15 AM Washington, July 19 (UNI) Doubling down on his 10% tariff threat against all BRICS countries, US President Donald Trump in press briefing yesterday claimed that he 'hit' the intra-governmental organisation 'very hard', adding that he will never allow another any the group's attempts at de-dollarisation, calling USD 'the king.' Mocking the multi-nation bloc's attempts at de-dollarisation, Trump, while talking about his administration's attempts at strengthening the US dollar said 'You have this little group called BRICS, it's fading out fast. But they wanted to take over the dominance of the dollar, and the standard of the dollar. see more.. DRC – Rwanda backed M23 militia sign ceasefire agreement in Doha after months of wanton violence 19 Jul 2025 | 11:46 PM Kinsasha/Kigali, July 19 (UNI) The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel militia have signed a new ceasefire agreement, bringing a halt to the massive violence that has ravaged the DRC's mineral-rich eastern region for months. see more.. BNP senior leader urges interim govt to hasten its work on reforms, national charter, elections 19 Jul 2025 | 11:44 PM Dhaka, July 19 (UNI) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) General Secretary Fakhrul Mirza Islam Alamgir urging the interim government to speed up its work before the upcoming elections, said that the administration's work must expediate three key things – reforms, a national charter, and elections – warning that any further delay only will only complicate matters. see more.. BRICS countries have no interest in replacing US dollar, says Russian Deputy FM Sergey Ryabkov 19 Jul 2025 | 10:54 PM Moscow, July 19 (UNI) BRICS countries have no desire to replace the US dollar, but rather trade in national currencies with other member and partner countries in a viable alternative, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov in an interview, reports state media TASS. see more.. Trump mocks BRICS nations, says his 10 pc tariff threat 'hi them very hard' 19 Jul 2025 | 8:42 PM Washington, July 19 (UNI) Doubling down on his 10% tariff threat against all BRICS countries, US President Donald Trump in press briefing yesterday claimed that he 'hit' the intra-governmental organisation 'very hard', adding that he will never allow another any the group's attempts at de-dollarisation, calling USD 'the king.' Mocking the multi-nation bloc's attempts at de-dollarisation, Trump, while talking about his administration's attempts at strengthening the US dollar said 'You have this little group called BRICS, it's fading out fast. But they wanted to take over the dominance of the dollar, and the standard of the dollar.
Qatar Tribune
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar facilitates breakthrough peace declaration in Democratic Republic of the Congo
DOHA In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Qatar has helped broker a historic Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), paving the way for a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending more than three decades of violence in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed in Doha on Saturday, marked what many observers described as a turning point in the DRC's long-running conflict. It came after months of Qatari-led efforts that brought warring parties together for direct and indirect negotiations. These efforts culminated in a crucial meeting held in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi emphasized that the declaration represents more than just a ceasefire, it sets the groundwork for a sustainable and just peace that meets the aspirations of the Congolese people for stability, dignity, and development. Al Khulaifi described the declaration as a milestone, noting that it goes beyond earlier frameworks by offering a clearer structure for implementation and more concrete political commitments. He credited the breakthrough to the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by both parties, praising President Tshisekedi and Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the Congo River Alliance/M23, for their resolve in choosing dialogue over confrontation. 'This is not merely a suspension of violence,' Al Khulaifi said. 'This is a roadmap toward re-establishing governance, rebuilding lives, and giving the Congolese people a real opportunity for peace.' He reiterated that the State of Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasized that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfillment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
DR Congo, M23 armed group sign ceasefire deal
DOHA: The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed armed group M23 signed a ceasefire deal Saturday to end fighting that has devastated the country's mineral-rich but conflict-torn east. The two sides signed a declaration of principles whose terms include a "permanent ceasefire", after three months of talks in Qatar. It follows a separate peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments signed in Washington last month. Rich in natural resources, especially lucrative minerals, eastern DRC has been wracked by conflict for more than three decades, creating a humanitarian crisis and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Thousands were killed in a lightning offensive by the M23 in January and February, in which the group seized vast swathes of territory, including the key provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. In the agreement signed in Doha, the warring parties agreed to "uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire", including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize by force new positions". The deal includes a roadmap for restoring state authority in eastern DRC, and an agreement for the two sides to open direct negotiations toward a comprehensive peace agreement. Congolese presidential envoy Sumbu Sita Mambu and M23 permanent secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa shook hands after signing the deal at a ceremony in the Qatari capital. The M23 had insisted on seeking its own ceasefire deal with Kinshasa, saying the DRC-Rwanda deal signed in Washington in June left out various "problems" that still needed to be addressed. The two sides said the new deal aligned with the Washington agreement, which US President Donald Trump at the time called the start of "a new chapter of hope and opportunity" for the region. Rwanda Saturday thanked Qatar and the United States for mediating the accord, and said that it "remains committed to contributing to sustainable peace as well as economic development in the Great Lakes region". The African Union hailed the new agreement as a "significant development", saying: "This... marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region." The European Union and the United Nation's regional peace-keeping mission MONUSCO also welcomed the accord. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the deal took account of the DRC's "red lines", including "the non-negotiable withdrawal of the M23 from occupied areas followed by the deployment of our institutions", including the armed forces. The two sides agreed to implement the deal's terms by July 29 at the latest, and to start negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement by August 8. Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi are due to meet in the coming months to solidify the Washington peace deal, whose terms have not yet been implemented. Questions remain over an expected side deal on economic issues, after Trump boasted of securing mineral wealth in the vast central African nation. Tshisekedi said in April he had discussed a deal for access to the DRC's mineral wealth with US special envoy Massad Boulos. Boulos, who was at the signing ceremony in Doha, called the restoration of the Congolese government's control over its eastern territory "one of the most important clauses" in the new deal. But "we know that there are no magic solutions" to end the conflict, "especially regarding the timeline", he told a news conference. Previous ceasefire agreements for eastern DRC have collapsed. Neighbouring Rwanda denies providing military backing to the M23, but UN experts say the Rwandan army played a "critical" role in the group's offensive, including combat operations. The front line has stabilised since February, but fighting was still breaking out regularly between the M23 and multiple pro-government militias. - AFP
Korea Herald
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles to end conflict in eastern Congo
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include the restoration of state authorities in key eastern cities controlled by the insurgents. Congo and the M23 rebels committed to 'building trust' through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in all parts of the country, including rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing. It was not immediately clear if the declaration involves M23's withdrawal from cities it controls, as the two parties seemed to interpret the agreement differently. Bertrand Bisimwa, an M23 leader, said on X that the declaration is 'not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations.' M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press in a telephone call, 'We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out.' However, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said the declaration takes into account 'the non-negotiable withdrawal' of the rebels, followed by the deployment of government forces and institutions. Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo's mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the UN has called the conflict in eastern Congo 'one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.' Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and it 'shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda,' facilitated by the US in June , according to a copy of the declaration seen by AP. M23 had been pushing for the release of its members held by Congo's military, many of them facing the death sentence. Congo had requested the withdrawal of the rebels from seized territories. 'The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict,' the Qatari minister said. Rwanda's Foreign Affairs Ministry called it 'a significant step forward" in ending the conflict. The US State Department said in a statement that America remains committed to supporting 'a peace that results in the restoration of (Congolese) authority and inclusive governance' in the region. In Goma, the city at the center of the conflict, locals received the news of the signing with mixed feelings, with most expressing doubts over the possibility of a lasting peace without a provision for victims of the decadeslong conflict. 'We cannot build peace without justice and reparation,' said Amani Muisa, a resident of Goma. The document touches on most of the highlights of the peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed on June 27, including the protection and safe return of millions who fled the conflict. Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump who attended the Doha-led talks, said on Saturday, 'It is time to find a final solution' to the conflict, reiterating that the most important article of the agreement is the affirmation of state control in rebel-held territories. 'The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence,' Boulos said. Another key issue the two sides will have to face is whether Rwanda will stop supporting the rebels, including the thousands of troops that the United Nations experts said are in eastern Congo. When Rwanda and Congo signed the peace deal in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda agreed to lift its 'defensive measures' — suggesting a reference to its troops in eastern Congo — once Congo neutralizes an armed group whose members Kigali accuses of carrying out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Analysts have said it is going to be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu and that it would depend on concessions the Congolese authorities agree to make. There have also been doubts about long-lasting peace if justice for the victims of the war is not addressed.
