UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the signing of a Declaration of Principles between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, marking a step toward peace in eastern Congo.
The declaration, signed on Saturday, follows weeks of diplomatic engagement aimed at easing violence in the region.
Guterres emphasized the UN’s commitment to supporting efforts toward peace, protection of civilians, and stability in the DRC, in collaboration with national authorities, regional, and international partners.
The agreement is seen as a significant development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, where the M23 rebel group has been active since 2012, causing widespread violence and displacement.
The group, formally known as the March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), controls significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which it seized earlier this year.
The DRC government and Western nations accuse Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a charge Rwanda consistently denies.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of millions of people, with the humanitarian situation remaining dire.
The signing of the Declaration of Principles is expected to pave the way for further negotiations and a potential peace agreement between the DRC government and the M23 rebels.
The international community, including the UN, is working to support the peace process and ensure the protection of civilians in the region.
