African Union leaders praised a new peace deal signed in Doha between Congo's government and the M23 rebel alliance. The agreement establishes fundamental principles for ending violence that has ravaged eastern Congo since early 2022. M23 fighters accused Kinshasa of excluding Tutsi communities from government positions. The group captured major cities like Goma and Bukavu during their January offensive. Rwanda allegedly supported the rebels, though Kigali disputes these claims.
The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of people and created a severe humanitarian emergency. A previous Washington accord required Rwanda to withdraw troops within 90 days. The Doha declaration demands an immediate ceasefire and return of government control to rebel territories. AU Commission head Mahmoud Ali Youssouf thanked Qatar's Emir for hosting the negotiations. Angola's president and other regional leaders received recognition for their diplomatic work in brokering peace.
The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of people and created a severe humanitarian emergency. A previous Washington accord required Rwanda to withdraw troops within 90 days. The Doha declaration demands an immediate ceasefire and return of government control to rebel territories. AU Commission head Mahmoud Ali Youssouf thanked Qatar's Emir for hosting the negotiations. Angola's president and other regional leaders received recognition for their diplomatic work in brokering peace.
