Türkiye praises Congo-M23 peace deal signed in Qatar mediation

Türkiye has expressed strong support for the newly signed peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo government and M23 rebel forces, characterizing the diplomatic breakthrough as a crucial advancement toward resolving long-standing conflicts in eastern Congo.

Official Endorsement from Ankara

In an official statement released Sunday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry praised the peace framework signed in Doha as "an important step toward a durable resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC." The ministry specifically highlighted the mediation efforts that facilitated the agreement, stating "We commend the efforts of all actors contributing to the process, particularly Qatar, which has played a facilitator role towards the stability of the Great Lakes Region." The statement reaffirmed Türkiye's ongoing commitment to supporting peace and security initiatives across the African continent.

Diplomatic Context and Agreement Details

The peace agreement represents the culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts involving multiple international mediators. The signing ceremony took place in Qatar's capital on Saturday following mediation led by both Qatari and American officials. This latest agreement builds upon previous diplomatic progress, including an October 14 ceasefire monitoring mechanism that was also established in Doha. The M23 rebel group, which has been accused by both Congolese authorities and United Nations investigators of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, had significantly expanded its territorial control in eastern DRC throughout this year.

Regional Implications and International Involvement

The successful mediation marks a significant achievement for Qatari diplomacy in African conflict resolution and demonstrates growing international engagement in Central African stability efforts. Multiple regional and international entities have participated in mediation attempts, with the most recent round being coordinated jointly by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. The agreement addresses one of Africa's most persistent conflicts, which has displaced millions of civilians and created humanitarian crises across the eastern DRC region over the past decade.

Türkiye's Expanding African Diplomacy

Ankara's endorsement of the peace agreement aligns with Türkiye's increasingly active diplomatic engagement across Africa, where it has sought to position itself as a constructive partner in conflict resolution and development initiatives. The statement emphasized that "Ankara remains committed to supporting efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across Africa," reflecting Türkiye's strategic interest in fostering stability in conflict-affected regions and strengthening bilateral relationships with African nations.

By Khan Muhammad An Nazmus Saqib