(MENAFN) On Saturday, Rwanda expressed strong approval of the recently signed declaration of principles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel faction in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the prolonged conflict in eastern DRC.

After extensive negotiations brokered by Qatar, the agreement lays out fundamental principles agreed upon by both sides, establishing a foundation for ongoing discussions toward a comprehensive peace deal.

"The declaration in Doha is a significant step forward toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC, by addressing the root causes of the conflict and restoring security and stability in our region," said a statement from Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Rwanda commended Qatar’s role in facilitating the talks, highlighting that these efforts complement previous initiatives led by the African Union and regional actors. The nation also reiterated its dedication to fostering long-term peace and economic progress throughout the Great Lakes area.

The statement emphasized, "We all have to support continuation of progress to the conclusion."

This agreement follows a peace accord signed last month in Washington between Rwanda and the DRC, which called for an end to hostilities between the neighboring states.

Historically, the DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group, a charge Kigali consistently rejects. Conversely, Rwanda accuses the Congolese military of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a group tied to the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide.

The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by instability for decades, with violence escalating sharply after M23’s resurgence in late 2021. Since then, the rebel group has captured substantial territory, including the strategic provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.

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