Latest news with #DeclarationofPrinciples
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Could the DR Congo Rwanda Agreement Reshape Africa's Development Map?
By: Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelwahab In pursuit of lasting regional stability, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 movement have signed a Declaration of Principles committing to a permanent ceasefire, an end to hate speech, and the renunciation of any efforts to seize new territory by force. The agreement was brokered by Qatar, with the presence of US envoy Masad Boulos, and marks an important addition to the American-brokered peace deal signed in June between the DRC and Rwanda. That deal had focused on disengagement, disarmament, and the conditional integration of armed groups. The two peace agreements are expected to pave the way for further diplomatic steps, including a meeting at the White House, where President Biden plans to host the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda. The United States sees these efforts as a gateway to securing its economic and strategic interests—especially in energy and mining—in this vital part of the African continent. The main driver of international interest in the Great Lakes region lies in its enormous natural wealth, particularly in the DRC, which holds 70 percent of global cobalt reserves, 67 percent of the world's coltan production (used in nuclear and electronic industries), ranks fourth in industrial diamond production, and has large deposits of lithium and high-grade copper. The DRC and Zambia together produce around 3 million tons of copper and cobalt annually. These mediation efforts in eastern Congo reflect a growing American role in African conflict resolution, with hopes of redirecting energy and resources toward meaningful development. The DRC has been in conflict since 1998, resulting in the deaths of nearly 6 million people, the displacement of 7 million, and the presence of more than 100 armed groups competing for control in the mineral-rich east. As people in the region hope for peace and the elimination of ethnic violence and armed militias, another element attracting global attention is the Lobito Corridor—a multi-country infrastructure project. Backed by the United States, it involves a major railway linking the DRC, Zambia, and Angola, allowing copper and cobalt to be exported through the Port of Lobito. In December 2024, the US pledged an additional $560 million, bringing total support to $4 billion for the project. At the same time, Russia has signed an agreement with Congo-Brazzaville to construct a pipeline from Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville, signaling Moscow's interest in expanding its energy footprint. In June 2025, Angola hosted the 17th US–Africa Summit, which focused heavily on minerals, energy, and infrastructure—key sectors shaping global competition on the continent. Global and emerging powers increasingly view Africa as a center of future economic growth. There is a noticeable shift toward economic diplomacy, with governments negotiating investment deals and trade partnerships across Africa. The recent DRC agreements with Rwanda and M23 are seen as breakthroughs after a period of sharp tensions, including Rwanda's June 7 withdrawal from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). That move came after Equatorial Guinea's presidency of the group was extended, bypassing Rwanda, due to opposition from the DRC and Burundi. ECCAS member states cover 20.4 percent of Africa's landmass, and their combined oil reserves are estimated at 31.3 billion barrels, nearly 28 percent of the continent's total. In a related development, Angola recently announced the discovery of its first-ever natural gas well in the Congo Basin, holding an estimated 1 trillion cubic feet of gas—a major turning point in Central Africa's energy future. In February 2024, the DRC began exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time, with proven reserves estimated at 283 billion cubic meters, drawing more international focus to energy security and development in Central Africa. This increasing attention is also fueled by the ongoing US–China competition. In 2024, China opened the China–Africa Chamber of Commerce in Addis Ababa and pledged $51 billion in financial support to African countries. Beijing has also removed tariffs on goods from the continent's least developed nations. Chinese investment in Africa has now surpassed $40 billion. The United States, meanwhile, is shifting from an aid-driven model to one focused on trade and investment. A recent meeting hosted by former President Donald Trump at the White House with the leaders of five African nations is seen as part of a larger effort to increase US influence, especially in strategic minerals and energy areas central to the rivalry with China and Russia. read more Analysis- Turkey Has 0 Regional Allies... Why? Analysis: Russia, Turkey... Libya in Return For Syria? Analysis: Who Will Gain Trump's Peace Plan Fruits? Analysis: Will Turkey's Erdogan Resort to Snap Election? Analysis: What Are Turkey's Aspirations in Iraq? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Mercenaries In Libya... Who Should Be Blamed? Opinion & Analysis Analysis- How 'Libya Nightmare' Takes Erdogan to Algiers Opinion & Analysis Analysis: What Happens After Brexit? Opinion & Analysis Analysis: Strategic Significance of Libya's Sirte, Jufra! 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Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Tunisia lauds Qatar's role in DRC talks
Tribune News Network Tunis Tunisia on Monday hailed the mediation, role, and sponsorship of the negotiations between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement in Doha. According to a statement from the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia expressed its satisfaction with the signing of the Declaration of Principles to begin direct negotiations between the two sides under Qatar's kind sponsorship and constructive efforts. The statement expressed Tunisia's hope that this agreement will lead to confidence-building measures between the two sides to end this protracted conflict in the DRC, preserving its unity and sovereignty and strengthening the foundations of security and stability throughout the African continent. Qatar hosted on Saturday in Doha the signing ceremony of the Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement. The signing of the declaration is the result of diplomatic efforts made by the State of Qatar over the past months, during which it worked to create a conducive environment for constructive dialogue between both parties, in preparation for reaching a peaceful solution to the protracted conflict in the region.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
UN chief hails Doha Declaration of Principles as ‘pathway towards lasting peace'
QNA New York UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement in Doha, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Guterres stated that the Declaration opens a pathway towards lasting peace, security, and the return of displaced persons and refugees. He urged all parties to ensure the swift implementation of the commitments undertaken. The UN chief expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar for facilitatingtheagreement, and reiterated the United Nations' commitment to supporting efforts toward peace, protection of civilians, and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in close collaboration with national authorities, regional and international partners. For his part, Bruno Lemarquis, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO, stated: 'This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict.' 'We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good-faith implementation,' he added. Doha hosted the signing ceremony of the Declaration of Principles between the the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23) on Saturday, marking a significant step toward achieving peace and stability in eastern Congo.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
UN chief hails Doha Declaration of Principles as 'pathway towards lasting peace'
New York UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement in Doha, in a statementآ released by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. Guterres stated that the Declaration opens a pathway towards lasting peace, security, and the return of displaced persons and refugees. He urged all parties to ensure the swift implementation of the commitments undertaken. The UN chief expressed his appreciation to the State of Qatar for its facilitation of this process, and reiterated the United Nations' commitment to supporting efforts toward peace, protection of civilians, and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in close collaboration with national authorities, regional and international partners. For his part, Bruno Lemarquis, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO, stated: "This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict." "We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good-faith implementation,' he added. Doha hosted the signing ceremony of the Declaration of Principles between the the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23) on Saturday, marking a significant step toward achieving peace and stability in eastern Congo. Numerous countries and international and regional organizations have commended Qatar for its key diplomatic role in facilitating the dialogue, which ultimately led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and the M23 movement.
Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Egypt welcomes signing of peace deal between Congo, March 23 Movement
Egypt welcomed on Sunday, July 20, 2025, the signing of the Declaration of Principles between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Congo River Alliance – March 23 Movement in Doha, Qatar. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Egypt voiced hope the declaration will constitute a constructive step toward achieving lasting comprehensive peace in eastern DRC, contribute to improving humanitarian and living conditions in the country and strengthen foundations of peace and security at the regional level. Egypt also appreciated the role played by Qatar and the US in facilitating dialogue between the two parties, the statement read. Egypt reaffirmed its firm stand in support of all regional and international efforts aimed at achieving security, stability and development across the African continent, emphasizing the need to respect sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of states and to resolve conflicts through peaceful means. The post Egypt welcomes signing of peace deal between Congo, March 23 Movement appeared first on Egypt Independent.
