DR Congo, M23 rebel group agree on roadmap for comprehensive peace talks

The Democratic Republic of Congo and AFC/M23 rebels have agreed to develop a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for peace negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement signed last year, according to a joint statement issued Saturday.

This came following peace talks between representatives of the government and the rebel group from Aug. 17 to Aug. 21 in Switzerland to try to revive a stalled peace process amid fighting in eastern Congo.

The sides “reaffirmed their commitment to pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Framework Agreement,” said the statement.

They also “agreed on the importance of a standardized method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations,” as well as establishing a mechanism tasked with addressing challenges in the implementation of obligations and commitments under the Framework Agreement.

The Congolese government and the M23 signed a peace framework agreement in Doha in November 2025, brokered by Qatar, underlining their shared commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo through structured dialogue and a phased approach to de-escalation and stabilization.

The security situation remains fragile on the ground, however, following intensified fighting between the AFC/M23 and government forces, according to local sources.

Lawrence Kanyuka, an M23 spokesperson, claimed Saturday on US social media company X that Kinshasa coalition forces launched deadly airstrikes using kamikaze drones against densely populated areas of Mukoko and Nyamabuguma in the Minembwe axis.

The talks were relocated to Switzerland from Doha earlier this year due to the Middle East conflict.

The latest talks, convened to assess progress made and challenges encountered to date in the framework of the Doha process, were also attended by representatives from Qatar, the US, Togo as the African Union mediator, the African Union Commission and Switzerland.

The M23 has been at the center of the conflict in eastern Congo. The group resumed fighting in 2021, launching a lightning offensive that led to the capture of several territories, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu, which were seized early in 2025.

The UN, Kinshasa and others accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Kigali denies.