DR Congo, M23 fighters agree on roadmap for peace talks

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace negotiations, setting out sequenced steps and timelines for further talks, according to a joint statement issued on Saturday.

The two sides said that, during meetings held from August 17 to 21 in Switzerland, they assessed progress and challenges in the Doha peace process while discussing the implementation of existing commitments and the way forward for negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement.

Following the assessment, the two sides developed a roadmap outlining the sequence and timetable for future negotiations.

They also agreed to establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing obligations and commitments under the framework agreement.

The two sides welcomed progress in operationalizing the ceasefire verification mechanism.

According to the statement, its first ceasefire verification mission is scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe, in eastern DRC's South Kivu Province.

They also stressed the importance of adopting a standardized method for reporting alleged ceasefire violations and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing negotiations toward comprehensive peace and conflict resolution.

Since January 2025, the M23 has intensified offensives in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, seizing several key cities.

In July 2025, under Qatari mediation, the DRC government and the M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha.

In November, the two sides signed a framework agreement, pledging to build trust through dialogue, advance stabilization in stages and address the root causes of the conflict.