AU welcomes DRC- M23 ceasefire deal

Qatar's chief negotiator Mohammed al-Khulaifi (C) stands between peace mediator Sumbu Sita Mambu, a high representative of the head of state in the Democratic Republic of Congo (seated-L) and Rwanda-backed armed group M23 executive secretary Benjamin Mbonimp (R) on July 19, 2025. [AFP]

The African Union has welcomed the signing of a ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group, calling it a significant step toward peace in the conflict-ridden region.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the agreement 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 ceasefire deal, signed on Saturday, July 19, follows three months of talks in Doha, Qatar, and aims to end fighting that has devastated eastern DRC, an area rich in minerals but long plagued by violence.

According to a joint statement, both parties committed to a permanent ceasefire, including refraining from "hate propaganda" and "any attempt to seize new positions by force."

M23, which had captured several territories in the region, had previously pushed to negotiate a separate ceasefire with Kinshasa.

The agreement also outlines plans to launch negotiations toward a comprehensive peace accord, including a roadmap to restore state authority in eastern DRC.

The AU commended the "spirit of dialogue, compromise, and political will" shown by both governments of DRC and Rwanda.

The Qatar ceasefire builds on a broader peace deal signed by DRC and Rwanda on June 27 in Washington, US, aimed at ending decades of hostilities between the two neighbors.