Following the signing of the Declaration of Principles with representatives from Kinshasa on July 19 in Doha, the insurgents emphasized that they will not be in Qatar on August 8 for dialogue aimed at a final peace agreement if the actions outlined in the already signed document are not implemented first.

However, the insurgents’ demands for the so-called confidence-building measures outlined in the Declaration go far beyond the release of prisons and jeopardize the progress of talks for a definitive solution to the conflict.

In addition to violating the immediate ceasefire, something the DRC government has also failed to comply with, the AFC/M23 is seeking a personal and solemn declaration by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi of the political will to hold direct talks with the rebels.

Their demands include the annulment of all death sentences, prosecutions, and arrest warrants against AFC/M23 leaders, as well as the release of all prisoners.

They also expect the government to end and sanction hate speech, as well as the persecution and discrimination against people of other ethnicities and languages who, according to the rebels, are being harassed under the pretext of collaborating with Rwanda.

The AFC/M23 also indicated among the confidence-building measures the free movement of people and goods, the recognition of documentation, and the reopening of banking and other services in areas under insurgent control, as well as the return of expropriated assets to the coalition.

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