Kinshasa, August 23: In a joint statement, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) have reached an agreement on a roadmap for peace talks. This roadmap outlines sequential steps and timelines for further discussions.
According to the statement, both parties assessed the progress and challenges of the Doha peace process during meetings held in Switzerland from August 17 to 21. They also discussed ways to implement existing commitments and advance negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement.
Following their assessment, both sides prepared a roadmap for future talks, detailing the sequence and timeline for discussions.
As reported by Xinhua News Agency, they agreed to establish a mechanism to review progress on obligations and commitments under the framework agreement and address challenges.
Both parties welcomed the progress made in activating the ceasefire verification mechanism. According to the statement, the first ceasefire verification mission is scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe, located in South Kivu province of eastern DRC.
They emphasized the importance of adopting a standard procedure for reporting alleged ceasefire violations and reiterated their commitment to continuing negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution.
In April, the DRC government and the M23 group announced progress on issues related to humanitarian access and ceasefire monitoring during peace talks held in Switzerland.
According to Xinhua, following meetings in Montreux, Switzerland, from April 13 to 17, both sides stated they had made “significant progress” in finalizing a protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection. They stressed the need to deliver essential aid to populations affected by conflict in eastern DRC.
They agreed to avoid destroying or seizing property necessary for the survival of civilians. They also pledged to facilitate rapid, safe, sustainable, and unobstructed humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas, as well as the movement of aid workers, relief supplies, and humanitarian convoys.
To strengthen mutual trust, both parties also agreed to release prisoners within ten days under previously established arrangements.
Since January 2025, M23 has intensified attacks in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, capturing several major cities.
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