The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in a press statement has welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework for Peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance (M23 Movement) in Doha on November 15. The Council commending Qatar’s pivotal role in the signing of the Doha Peace Framework said that it was an important step towards de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, national reconciliation, restoration of stability, confidence-building, and addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The UNSC urged the signatories to implement their commitment to a permanent, effective, and verifiable ceasefire. The Council said it would help implement the peace process and ceasefire and with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
The UNSC reiterated its concerns about the security and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressing the need to capitalise on the current momentum to achieve tangible progress in addressing the humanitarian crisis and facilitating full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, particularly humanitarian flights, to eastern DRC.
The Doha Framework for the Peace has been developed on the momentum of the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19 in Doha. The framework reaffirms the parties’ shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue, confidence-building measures, and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilisation.
Qatar enjoys global reputation as a neutral and reliable mediator. This reflects a deep-rooted constitutional commitment to resolving international disputes and conflicts peacefully. Article 7 of Qatar’s Constitution stipulates mediation as a key foreign policy priority.
Since 2004, Qatari mediation has been aimed at brokering ceasefires, restoring diplomatic relations, releasing hostages, facilitating exchange of prisoners, initiating national dialogue processes, helping end border disputes and bringing about peace agreements at the regional and global levels.
Qatar’s success in brokering ceasefires in Gaza further enhanced its reputation as a mediator. Despite the challenges and complexities, Qatari mediation has brought about resolutions to many crises and conflicts in the Arab region and beyond.
Notable achievements include brokering a truce in Yemen (2008-2010), hosting of the Lebanese National Dialogue, facilitating the Darfur negotiations and signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, hosting the talks between the United States and the Afghan Taliban which culminated in a peace agreement, mediating negotiations between Chadian factions that resulted in the signing of the Doha Peace Agreement and the inclusion of armed political movements in the Chadian sovereign inclusive national dialogue, and aiding Somalia and Kenya in resuming diplomatic relations.
