UAE Welcomes Democratic Republic of Congo and 'Congo River' Alliance's Signing of Doha Framework Peace Agreement

The UAE has welcomed a new peace agreement signed in Doha between the Democratic Republic of Congo's government and the M23 rebel movement. The deal marks a significant step toward ending years of conflict that has displaced millions in eastern Congo and destabilized one of Africa's most resource-rich regions.

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State, praised Qatar's diplomatic efforts in facilitating the framework agreement. He called it a pivotal moment for national reconciliation in the DRC, where armed groups have fought for control over mineral wealth and territory for more than two decades.

The M23 movement, which takes its name from a failed March 23, 2009 peace deal, has been one of the most active rebel groups in eastern Congo. The group briefly captured the regional capital Goma in 2012 before being pushed back by UN peacekeepers and Congolese forces. Fighting resumed in 2021, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.

Sheikh Shakhbout highlighted the constructive participation from both sides and thanked international partners including the United States, African Union Commission, and Togo for creating conditions that made the agreement possible. The deal emphasizes protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian aid access, and guaranteeing safe return for displaced people.

For investors and regional markets, stability in eastern DRC could mean better access to vast mineral deposits including cobalt, copper, and gold. The region holds about 70% of the world's cobalt reserves, essential for electric vehicle batteries. But decades of conflict have made extraction difficult and dangerous.

The agreement comes as several African nations face internal conflicts that threaten economic development. The UAE has positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes, using its economic ties and diplomatic influence to support peace processes across the continent.

But previous peace deals in Congo have often collapsed within months. The real test will be implementation and whether both sides can maintain commitments when faced with the complex realities on the ground. International monitoring and continued diplomatic pressure will likely be crucial for making this agreement stick.