The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebel group have signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo on July 19, 2025.

The declaration was signed between representatives of both sides in Doha, Qatar and both sides agreed to follow the terms of the deal by July 29, 2025.

The agreement states that both sides must refrain from attacks, ‘hate propaganda’ and ‘any attempt to seize by force new positions on the ground’.

A final peace agreement is expected by August 18, 2025 and must match the US-brokered deal made last month between DR Congo and Rwanda.

The treaty between the two countries was signed in Washington, USA on June 27, 2025 and offered hope that the years of deadly conflict that have made Congo unstable would finally end.

However, the deal faced a lot of criticism because many believe the US got involved mainly to gain access to DR Congo’s rich mineral resources as President Trump boasted of the deal as a big achievement for the U.S.

The African Union said in a statement that the move represents a significant step forward in the ongoing push for lasting peace stability in eastern DRC.

“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,” AU chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in a statement.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, has said at a news conference that Saturday’s declaration ‘lays the groundwork for a new phase of partnership among the various components of society in DRC including armed movements that have chosen to prioritize the greater national interest’.