The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks, setting out the next steps and timetable under the Doha framework. The deal comes after months of stalled diplomacy and renewed fighting in the east.
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 have agreed on a roadmap for continuing peace negotiations following talks held in Switzerland from August 17 to 21.
The roadmap is intended to define the successive stages and timetable for negotiations under the Doha framework, according to a joint statement issued by the Swiss government.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive peace agreement and resolving the conflict through implementation of the Doha framework.
Ceasefire monitoring gets priority
The parties also agreed on a standardised method for reporting alleged violations of the ceasefire, a step seen as important to rebuilding confidence between the two sides.
A first ceasefire verification mission under the MCVE+ mechanism is scheduled to take place Monday in Minembwe, in South Kivu province.
The participants also agreed to establish a mechanism to assess progress and identify challenges in implementing the commitments made under the Doha framework.
The discussions included efforts to strengthen the MCVE+ mechanism, including the creation of its secretariat and preparations for its first field verification mission.
Washington welcomes progress
The United States welcomed what it described as progress in the Doha peace process.
Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs and senior adviser for Africa at the State Department, said he was encouraged by the results of the Swiss meetings.
“I welcome the additional progress made during the meetings held in Switzerland from 17 to 21 August regarding the continuation of the Doha Framework Agreement,” Boulos said in a statement posted on X.
He reaffirmed Washington’s support for peace and stability in eastern Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.
Boulos also highlighted the role of Qatar, Togo, Switzerland, the African Union Commission and other partners in supporting the diplomatic process.
Cautious optimism over negotiations
The latest developments have been welcomed cautiously by analysts.
Political analyst Christian Moleka said the ceasefire monitoring measures represented some progress, but warned that the process remained at an early stage.
He noted that the ceasefire commitments form only part of the first protocol under the Doha framework, while six other protocols have yet to be signed.
According to Moleka, the pace of negotiations illustrates how far the parties still have to go before reaching a comprehensive settlement.
He argued that both sides continue to protect their interests while facing pressure from mediators, with the possibility of renewed military action still present.
Long road to lasting peace
The agreement comes after a prolonged period of deadlock marked by continued violence and accusations of ceasefire violations in eastern Congo.
The Doha framework and wider international mediation are aimed at ending a conflict that has displaced large numbers of people and destabilised the Great Lakes region.
For now, the adoption of a roadmap provides a clearer structure for the next phase of negotiations. But the implementation of the ceasefire, verification of violations and progress on the remaining protocols will be crucial in determining whether the latest diplomatic push can translate into a lasting peace.
