By Alain Renald
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warmly welcomed the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance–March 23 Movement (M23), hailing it as a historic step toward stability in the conflict-torn east of the country. In an official statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh expressed its full appreciation for the brotherly Qatari diplomatic efforts that culminated in this breakthrough after years of deadlock.
The Saudi statement specifically praised Qatar’s constructive and patient mediation, underscoring the depth of coordination between the two Gulf nations on critical African security issues. By highlighting Doha’s role so prominently, the Kingdom reinforced Qatar’s growing stature as a reliable and effective mediator in complex international conflicts.
Riyadh also reaffirmed its unwavering support for any initiative that strengthens security and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider Great Lakes region. The explicit mention of the Great Lakes demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s clear understanding of the regional stakes and its concern to prevent the spillover of instability to neighboring countries, including those in the East African Community.
This swift and unequivocal Saudi endorsement aligns with the Kingdom’s consistent foreign policy of backing peaceful resolutions and constructive diplomacy, a stance it has previously demonstrated in Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza. The statement positions Saudi Arabia as a proactive contributor to global and regional peace rather than a bystander in distant crises.
Signed in the Qatari capital on November 13, 2025, the Doha Framework establishes an immediate ceasefire, a phased withdrawal of M23 forces from occupied territories, inclusive political dialogue, and essential security and humanitarian guarantees. Although detailed implementation mechanisms remain under discussion, the agreement itself marks a significant diplomatic achievement in a conflict that has defied resolution for decades.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s strong welcome reflects a strategic vision that regards stability in Central Africa as inseparable from broader Arab and Gulf security interests. It is also a sincere recognition of Qatar’s quiet yet highly effective diplomacy—an approach that has once again proven capable of delivering results where military solutions alone have failed. May the
Doha Framework become the foundation for lasting, just and comprehensive peace across the Great Lakes region.
