French President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union on Saturday welcomed a breakthrough peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group.
The deal, signed in Doha after weeks of diplomatic efforts, was credited to Qatar’s mediation and hailed as a step toward lasting peace.
“I welcome the agreement of principles between the DRC and the M23/AFC, thanks to the mediation of Qatar and its Emir,” Macron posted on X.
He called the agreement a sign of renewed hope for the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region, reaffirming France’s commitment to regional peace. The European Union echoed the sentiment, describing the accord as “an important step towards a lasting peace agreement” in eastern Congo.
EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni urged all parties to honour the deal “in good faith” and to continue involving regional actors in its implementation.
Saturday’s declaration followed intense talks, including earlier rounds in Washington, and marked the first public commitment from both sides since renewed fighting erupted. The M23 insurgency, reportedly backed by Rwanda, escalated in January after rebels seized Goma and Bukavu, Congo’s two largest eastern cities.
The conflict has left thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee, deepening one of Africa’s most pressing humanitarian crises. This deal follows a separate peace agreement signed last month between Congo and Rwanda in Washington, aimed at easing regional tensions.
Qatar’s growing diplomatic role has drawn praise, with analysts pointing to its quiet mediation as a model in complex African conflicts. Though challenges remain, the Doha agreement is being seen as a fragile yet hopeful turning point in a long and bloody conflict.
