In a statement issued on Saturday night, Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the framework marks 'an important step on the road to definitively addressing the root causes of conflict in eastern DRC, and the obstacles to peace in the Great Lakes Region.'
Kigali also commended Qatar for its sustained engagement as mediator, as well as the support provided by the United States and the African Union.
The agreement, signed in Doha earlier in the day, is being celebrated as one of the most concrete advances in years toward stabilising a region that has endured insecurity and humanitarian crises for over two decades.
According to U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs, Massad Boulos, the framework 'charts a clear path toward a peace accord", with both the DRC government and the AFC/M23 committing to uphold the ceasefire, end hostilities, and jointly tackle the root causes of the conflict.
Boulos highlighted eight core protocols contained in the framework, including mechanisms for prisoner exchanges, ceasefire monitoring and verification, expanded humanitarian access, restoration of state authority, disarmament and reintegration of armed groups, return of displaced people, economic recovery, and efforts to promote justice and reconciliation.
'These obligations will strengthen the foundation for peace, stability, and the rebuilding of trust in affected communities,' Boulos said, thanking Qatar for facilitating the process.
Further details shared by the Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, Benjamin Mbonimpa, reaffirmed that the framework establishes a phased implementation roadmap. Each of the eight protocols will be discussed and executed progressively, with a defined timeline guiding the process. A comprehensive peace agreement will only be signed once both parties have fully addressed all protocol components.
Among the protocols is a commitment to collaborate on restoring state institutions and public services in eastern DRC, a process envisioned to unfold in stages. Another protocol includes temporary security measures designed to maintain public calm and protect civilians during the transition period.
Both parties have also agreed to form an independent national commission tasked with advancing truth, reconciliation, accountability for crimes, and planning the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
The signing ceremony in Doha was witnessed by Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, and Massad Boulos, the Advisor to the U.S. President on African Affairs.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
