DRC and M23 Sign Framework Peace Agreement in Doha, Mediated by Qatar

On November 15, 2025, a significant diplomatic milestone was reached in Doha, Qatar, as representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group (March 23 Movement) formalized a framework agreement. This crucial step, aimed at halting the protracted armed conflict plaguing eastern Congo, was signed despite the M23's known backing by Rwanda. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and immense human suffering, exemplified by a particularly brutal incident in April where more than 50 individuals were killed over a two-day period.

Qatar played a pivotal role as the key facilitator of these negotiations, a process that also garnered substantial support from the United States of America. This international engagement underscores the global commitment to resolving the persistent crisis gripping the Great Lakes region. The comprehensive framework document outlines eight distinct protocols designed to address critical issues such as the restoration of state authority, necessary economic reforms, and the complex process of reintegrating armed factions. However, at the time of signing, only two protocols had been fully ratified: those concerning the strict monitoring of the ceasefire regime and the exchange of prisoners. The remaining six protocols still require intensive negotiation and further consensus between the warring parties.

The path to this framework agreement has been multi-staged and deliberate. Earlier in the year, in July 2025, the Declaration of Principles was signed in Doha, committing both the DRC government and M23 to a permanent cessation of hostilities. Building on this foundation, an agreement to establish a mechanism for monitoring the truce was reached in October 2025, also under Qatari mediation. Qatari Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Khulaifi, hailed the signing as a crucial move toward finding peaceful solutions through dialogue. Meanwhile, Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor and Special Envoy of the US President, characterized the event as a "launching pad" for achieving a definitive and lasting peace treaty.

Despite these high-level diplomatic declarations, a stark disconnect persists between the negotiating table and the volatile situation on the ground. Reports indicate that fighting has continued unabated. On the very morning the agreement was signed, M23 claimed that government forces had carried out bombing campaigns, even as the rebel group simultaneously reported expanding the territory under its control. To ensure the effective implementation of the peace plan, provisions have been made for the establishment of an independent committee. This body will be tasked with overseeing the execution of the agreements and formulating recommendations for national reconciliation, including mechanisms for compensation for victims.

The ultimate success of this entire endeavor hinges critically on the ability of the parties to finalize the six outstanding protocols, which address the structural roots of the conflict. M23, representing the interests of the Tutsi minority, remains in opposition to the DRC government. The historical backdrop is fraught with tension; previous diplomatic breakthroughs have frequently given way to renewed violence, notably following M23's major offensive in early 2025, which saw the capture of Goma in January and Bukavu in February. Observers remain cautiously optimistic. Alain Wakiyani, an Al Jazeera reporter based in Goma, noted that while the local population harbors hope, no immediate, tangible changes have yet materialized on the ground. The United Nations continues to press all parties to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and human rights standards, viewing this compliance as indispensable for achieving sustainable resolution.