Latest news with #AlKhulaifi
Qatar Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar facilitates breakthrough peace declaration in Democratic Republic of the Congo
DOHA In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Qatar has helped broker a historic Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), paving the way for a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending more than three decades of violence in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed in Doha on Saturday, marked what many observers described as a turning point in the DRC's long-running conflict. It came after months of Qatari-led efforts that brought warring parties together for direct and indirect negotiations. These efforts culminated in a crucial meeting held in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi emphasized that the declaration represents more than just a ceasefire, it sets the groundwork for a sustainable and just peace that meets the aspirations of the Congolese people for stability, dignity, and development. Al Khulaifi described the declaration as a milestone, noting that it goes beyond earlier frameworks by offering a clearer structure for implementation and more concrete political commitments. He credited the breakthrough to the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by both parties, praising President Tshisekedi and Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the Congo River Alliance/M23, for their resolve in choosing dialogue over confrontation. 'This is not merely a suspension of violence,' Al Khulaifi said. 'This is a roadmap toward re-establishing governance, rebuilding lives, and giving the Congolese people a real opportunity for peace.' He reiterated that the State of Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasized that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfillment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar to continue its support to DRC pact implementation
He reiterated that Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the UK, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasised that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfilment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalisation, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar facilitates breakthrough peace declaration in DR Congo
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Qatar has helped broker a historic Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), paving the way for a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending more than three decades of violence in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed in Doha on Saturday, marked what many observers described as a turning point in the DRC's long-running conflict. It came after months of Qatari-led efforts that brought warring parties together for direct and indirect negotiations. The efforts culminated in a crucial meeting held in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi emphasized that the declaration represents more than just a ceasefire, it sets the groundwork for a sustainable and just peace that meets the aspirations of the Congolese people for stability, dignity, and development. Al Khulaifi described the declaration as a milestone, noting that it goes beyond earlier frameworks by offering a clearer structure for implementation and more concrete political commitments. He credited the breakthrough to the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by both parties, praising President Tshisekedi and Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the Congo River Alliance/M23, for their resolve in choosing dialogue over confrontation. 'This is not merely a suspension of violence,' Al Khulaifi said. 'This is a roadmap toward re-establishing governance, rebuilding lives, and giving the Congolese people a real opportunity for peace.' He reiterated that the State of Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the UK, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasized that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfillment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
CTV News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels sign declaration of principles to end conflict in eastern Congo
M23 rebels stand with their weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File) DAKAR, Senegal — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels on Saturday signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end decadeslong fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement that would include a withdrawal of the insurgents from key eastern cities. Congo and the M23 rebels committed to 'building trust' through various measures, including an exchange of prisoners and detainees as well as restoring state authority in rebel-held areas, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Qatar's minister of state, said at a briefing. Backed by neighboring Rwanda, the M23 is the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups fighting for control in Congo's mineral-rich east. With 7 million people displaced in Congo, the U.N. has called the conflict in eastern Congo 'one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.' Saturday's signing is the first direct commitment by both sides since the rebels seized two key cities in eastern Congo in a major advance early this year. A final peace deal is to be signed no later than Aug. 18, and it 'shall align with the Peace Agreement between Congo and Rwanda' facilitated by the U.S. in June, according to a copy of the declaration seen by The Associated Press. M23 had been pushing for the release of its members held by Congo's military, many of them facing the death sentence. Congo had requested the withdrawal of the rebels from seized territories. 'The Declaration of Principles signed today paves the way for direct negotiations towards a comprehensive peace that addresses the deep-rooted causes of the conflict,' the Qatari minister said. The document touches on most of the highlights of the peace deal Congo and Rwanda signed on June 27, including the protection and safe return of millions who fled the conflict. A key issue is whether Rwanda will pull their support for the rebels, including the thousands of troops that the United Nations experts said are in eastern Congo. When Rwanda and Congo signed the peace deal in Washington, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Rwanda agreed to lift its 'defensive measures' — suggesting a reference to its troops eastern Congo — once Congo neutralizes an armed group whose members Kigali accuses of carrying out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Analysts have said it is going to be difficult for the M23 rebels to withdraw from the eastern Congolese cities of Goma and Bukavu and that it would depend on concessions Congolese authorities agree to make. There were also been doubts about long-lasting peace if justice for victims of the war is not addressed. Massad Boulos, s senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, said 'it is time to find a final solution' to the conflict. One of the most important articles of the principles is the affirmation of state control in rebel-held territories, he said. 'However, there is this an ongoing conflict. The issue requires dialogue, and following up on this dialogue and requires persistence.' Chinedu Asadu, The Associated Press Associated Press journalists Ahmed Hatem in Cairo, Egypt and Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo contributed to this report.
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar follows developments in southern Syria with deep concern: Al Khulaifi
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has affirmed that the State of Qatar is following with deep concern the developments in the city of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, out of the firm belief that Syria's security is an integral part of the region's stability. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Khulaifi called for all necessary measures to ensure such crimes are not repeated, including holding accountable all parties responsible for the shedding of civilian blood and the terrorizing of innocent, unarmed individuals, especially children, women, and the elderly, and ensuring that those who committed these heinous crimes do not escape punishment. He further emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to strengthen civil peace through dialogue and peaceful means. Al Khulaifi expressed the State of Qatar's condemnation of the Israeli attacks on the city of As-Suwayda, describing them as blatant violations of Syria's sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter, and a serious threat to regional security. Al Khulaifi also reaffirmed the State of Qatar's full support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its brotherly people for a dignified life.
