New York: Qatar reaffirmed its active role in supporting peace and humanitarian efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region during a key event held on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Representing Qatar at the event was Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.
In his address, Dr. Al Khulaifi underscored Qatar's ongoing contributions to fostering dialogue and advancing the peace process in the volatile region. He highlighted a landmark trilateral meeting hosted by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on March 18 this year. The meeting brought together the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda for direct and candid dialogue - the first since heightened tensions arose between the two nations in 2022.
The minister emphasized that this trilateral meeting served as a crucial starting point for continued African-led mediation efforts, complementing initiatives underway in Luanda and Nairobi.
Dr. Al Khulaifi also pointed to Qatar's facilitation of consultations in Doha on April 23 between representatives of the DRC and the March 23 Movement (M23) group. These talks culminated in an agreement to pursue a ceasefire aimed at strengthening the existing ceasefire framework. Both parties committed to an immediate cessation of hostilities, rejected hate speech and intimidation, and called on local communities to uphold these principles.
Further, His Excellency welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Principles between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, DC, on April 25 - a critical step in addressing ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo.
In a related development, Dr. Al Khulaifi noted a high-level meeting hosted in Doha on April 30 involving representatives from Qatar, Togo, the United States, France, the DRC, and Rwanda. The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, and economic development in the Great Lakes region.
Discussions at the meeting covered the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo and progress in dialogue between the DRC government and M23. The group welcomed the Declaration of Principles signed with M23, facilitated by the African Financing Institution.
HE the minister reiterated Qatar's support for the June 27 peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington, describing it as a significant milestone toward lasting peace.
Highlighting Qatar's ongoing engagement, Dr. Al Khulaifi recalled the July 19 signing ceremony in Doha of the Declaration of Principles between the DRC government and M23, facilitated by Qatar. He stressed Qatar’s active participation in the Joint Monitoring Committee overseeing the peace agreement’s implementation.
Dr. Al Khulaifi affirmed Qatar's belief that its role in supporting peace and stability will empower humanitarian organizations and aid workers, as well as regional and international donors, to better reach vulnerable populations in eastern Congo.
Alongside mediation efforts, Qatar continues to expand its humanitarian and development assistance. Notably, through the Qatar Fund for Development in cooperation with UNICEF, Qatar has allocated over US$ 29 million to enhance access to education and protection services for children affected by conflict in the DRC.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister of State pledged Qatar's steadfast commitment to facilitating dialogue among all concerned parties in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. He called on all stakeholders to sustain constructive dialogue that fulfills the Congolese people's aspirations for lasting peace, development, and prosperity.
