The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group have agreed to launch a ceasefire‑monitoring and roadmap mechanism under US‑brokered peace talks, with the first verification mission set for Monday in South Kivu.
In a statement, the parties said they had developed a “roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations” under a framework agreement signed in the Qatari capital, Doha, in November 2025.
The parties pledged to “pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution” and to establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges under the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement, which was signed but never fully implemented.
The roadmap outlines sequenced steps and timelines for dialogue, including the creation of a secretariat to oversee ceasefire verification.
The inaugural mission will take place in Minembwe, one of the areas hardest hit by clashes between government forces and M23 fighters.
The latest agreement, reached after five days of negotiations in Switzerland, marks a new phase in efforts to end years of fighting in eastern DRC.
Talks were attended by representatives from the DRC government, M23, the United States, Qatar, Togo, the African Union Commission, and host Switzerland.
JN/APA