DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks
The DR Congo government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have agreed a roadmap for peace negotiations in Switzerland, though key disputes remain unresolved.
Following five days of negotiations in Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have announced a roadmap for further peace talks. In a joint statement, the parties pledged to pursue negotiations toward comprehensive peace and conflict resolution, and agreed to set up a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire.
The new roadmap lays out a timeline for talks under a US-brokered peace framework signed in 2025. That earlier agreement failed to stop fighting in eastern DR Congo, a region that has faced conflict for decades.
Despite the new agreement, significant disagreements remain between the parties, including over sanctions against M23, the release of detainees, and the timing of political reforms.
Participants and monitoring mechanism
Alongside the DR Congo government and M23, the talks were attended by Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo, the African Union Commission, and host nation Switzerland. The parties said they would establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing obligations under the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement. They also developed sequenced steps and timelines, while committing to flexibility and creativity in the process.
The parties additionally agreed to implement a mechanism for monitoring ceasefire violations. Its secretariat has already been established, and the first verification mission is scheduled for Monday in Minembwe, an area of South Kivu badly affected by the fighting.
Despite repeated ceasefire commitments, fighting has continued in North and South Kivu, with the government and M23 accusing each other of violations.
