France, EU Welcome Qatar-Brokered DRC-M23 Peace Deal
(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron and the European Union on Saturday applauded a newly reached framework agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, crediting Qatar’s mediation efforts for the significant breakthrough.
Taking to X, Macron expressed his approval: "I welcome the agreement of principles between the DRC and the M23/AFC, thanks to the mediation of Qatar and its Emir."
He hailed the development as a hopeful sign for peace across the region, adding, "For the Congolese people and the Great Lakes region, the peace dynamic is recreating hope and confidence." Macron also reiterated France’s ongoing commitment to fostering stability in the area.
Meanwhile, the European Union described the agreement as "an important step towards a lasting peace agreement."
EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni emphasized on X, "The EU urges the parties to implement the agreed principles in good faith, with the involvement of relevant regional actors."
This statement came shortly after representatives from both the DRC and M23 formally signed the declaration in Doha, concluding weeks of intense diplomatic negotiations that included prior discussions held in Washington.
The conflict, marked by fierce clashes between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels—who are reportedly supported by Rwanda—escalated dramatically after M23’s capture of Goma and Bukavu in January, two of Congo’s largest cities.
The ongoing violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.
This agreement follows last month’s separate peace accord between Congo and Rwanda, signed in Washington, signaling a coordinated diplomatic push for regional stability.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
