The talks, held from August 17 to 21 near Montreux, Switzerland, brought together representatives of the Congolese government and the AFC/M23, along with delegations from Qatar, the United States, Togo (as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission and Switzerland. The discussions assessed progress made and challenges encountered since the signing of the Doha Framework Agreement in November 2025, which was brokered by Qatar to address the root causes of the conflict through structured dialogue.
Key Agreements Reached
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to pursue negotiations towards "comprehensive peace and conflict resolution" through the implementation of the Framework Agreement. They agreed on the importance of a standardised method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations and established a mechanism tasked with addressing challenges in the implementation of obligations and commitments under the Framework Agreement.
The parties also welcomed continued progress on the operationalisation of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), including the establishment of its secretariat, and the EJVM+ reconnaissance mission, with the logistical support of MONUSCO, conducted on August 20. The first EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission is scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe, South Kivu, marking a tangible step toward monitoring the fragile peace on the ground.
The Doha Framework: A Foundation for Peace
The Doha Framework Agreement, signed in November 2025, was established as the foundation for a comprehensive peace accord between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23. The agreement comprises the framework itself and eight protocols addressing core issues, including restoring state authority, reforms, inclusive national governance, identity and citizenship, return and resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees, and economic recovery. To date, only two of the eight protocols have been addressed, including the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism signed on 14 October 2025, and the detainee release mechanism signed on 14 September 2025.
The parties agreed that the order in which the remaining protocols are negotiated does not dictate the order in which they are implemented, a decision that frees implementation to move on whichever tracks are ready first. The roadmap also commits the parties to flexibility and creativity within the structure the framework provides.
A Fragile Peace on the Ground
Despite the diplomatic progress, the security situation on the ground remains volatile. Lawrence Kanyuka, an M23 spokesperson, claimed Saturday on social media that Kinshasa coalition forces launched deadly airstrikes using kamikaze drones against densely populated areas of Mukoko and Nyamabuguma in the Minembwe axis. Local sources confirmed ongoing fighting between the AFC/M23 and government forces.
The M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, has been at the centre of the conflict in eastern Congo since resuming fighting in 2021. The group launched 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 neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The parties expressed gratitude to Qatar, the United States, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland for their unwavering support for peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.
With reporting from Anadolu Ajansı, The New Times, Gulf Times, Africanews.dz, TRT Afrika, Qatar News Agency and allAfrica.com.
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