DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks
Representatives met in Switzerland to work out next steps to resolve the conflict.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda, have reached an agreement on a framework for future peace negotiations.
Following five days of discussions in Switzerland, a joint statement was released indicating a commitment to "pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution" and to create a system for monitoring the existing ceasefire.
This newly established roadmap outlines a schedule for talks under a peace framework brokered by the US, which was initially signed in 2025. Despite that earlier agreement, conflict persisted in eastern DR Congo, a region that has experienced decades of unrest.
However, several points of contention remain, including sanctions against M23, the release of detainees, and the timing of political reforms.
The recent negotiations included representatives from M23, the DR Congo government, Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo, the African Union Commission, and the host nation, Switzerland.
The statement further noted, "The parties agreed to establish a mechanism tasked with reviewing progress and addressing challenges in implementation of obligations and commitments under the Doha Framework Agreement," referring to the 2025 accord.
They developed "sequenced steps and timelines" while also pledging to exercise "flexibility and creativity," according to the statement.
Additionally, an agreement was reached to implement a mechanism for monitoring ceasefire violations. Its secretariat has been established, and the inaugural verification mission is scheduled for Monday in Minembwe, an area in South Kivu affected by the fighting.
Despite repeated ceasefire commitments, fighting has continued in North and South Kivu, with both the government and M23 accusing each other of violations.
The conflict is closely tied to ongoing tensions between DR Congo and its neighbor, Rwanda.
Rwanda asserts that DR Congo has failed to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group that Kigali views as a security threat.
DR Congo denies providing support to the FDLR and, in turn, accuses Rwanda of backing M23 with both troops and weaponry.
In January 2025, the conflict escalated when M23 seized control of parts of eastern DR Congo, including Goma and two airports.
Over decades of fighting, thousands of lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced from their homes.
Eastern DR Congo is rich in coltan and other vital resources essential to global electronics industries.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, despite substantial evidence to the contrary. It has always maintained that its military presence in the region is defensive, solely aimed at countering threats posed by other armed groups.