DRC Government, M23 Agree Roadmap to Advance Doha Peace Deal

DRC Government, M23 Agree Roadmap to Advance Doha Peace Deal

August 24, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) have agreed on a roadmap to advance negotiations and implement commitments under a 2025 peace framework, following five days of talks in Switzerland.

Representatives of the two sides met from August 17 to August 21 with Qatar, the US, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland to review progress and obstacles in implementing the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.

The parties agreed to establish a mechanism to monitor implementation of obligations under the framework and address challenges that arise during the process.

They also agreed on a sequence of steps and timelines for negotiating the remaining protocols, while stressing that the order in which protocols are negotiated will not determine the order in which they are implemented.

The parties said they would maintain flexibility within the existing framework and continue negotiations towards a comprehensive settlement of the conflict.

The talks also focused on strengthening mechanisms to monitor the ceasefire.

The parties welcomed progress in establishing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), including the creation of its secretariat and a reconnaissance mission conducted on August 20 with logistical support from the United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The reconnaissance mission preceded the first EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission, scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe.

The parties agreed on the need for a standardised system for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations.

The government and AFC/M23 also submitted recommendations to the facilitators on how to sustain negotiations and improve implementation of their respective commitments.

The discussions were held with the participation of Qatar, which has facilitated the Doha process, the US, Togo in its role as African Union mediator, Switzerland and the African Union Commission.

The parties thanked the participating countries and institutions for their continued support for efforts to promote peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

Source: FSX Business News