DR Congo and AFC/M23 rebels agree on peace roadmap during Swiss talks

Diplomatic progress in Switzerland

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and delegates representing the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 armed movement agreed on a structured roadmap for future peace negotiations. The Swiss federal authorities released a joint statement on Sunday following days of mediation conducted behind closed doors in Bern. The resulting document lays out a comprehensive framework designed to guide bilateral talks toward ending recurring hostilities across the mineral-rich eastern provinces.

The Parties developed a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement, and committed to flexibility and creativity within the existing structure.

Ceasefire monitoring and verification

A central priority of the newly agreed roadmap involves the oversight of frontline security between government troops and rebel fighters. Both negotiating sides formally agreed on the importance of implementing a standardised method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations. To sustain oversight, the parties decided to establish a dedicated mechanism tasked with reviewing progress and addressing operational obstacles during the execution of commitments.

The practical implementation of these monitoring protocols begins immediately. A first formal ceasefire verification mission is scheduled to arrive in Minembwe, located in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Monday. This mission is expected to assess local conditions on the ground following repeated military confrontations.

Multilateral mediation in Bern

The negotiations in Switzerland took place behind closed doors from 17 August through 21 August, involving both delegations alongside several international mediators. Beyond the Swiss hosts, the discussions included diplomatic representatives from the United States, Qatar, and the African Union Commission. Togo also participated directly in the sessions, serving as the official African Union mediator between the Congolese authorities and the rebel leadership.

They reaffirmed their commitment to pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Framework Agreement.

Doha framework and regional conflict

The roadmap negotiated in Switzerland directly connects to earlier diplomatic efforts to resolve decades of armed violence in eastern DR Congo, where multiple groups compete over mineral resources. The AFC/M23 coalition had seized substantial swathes of land across the region last year before diplomatic talks intensified. In December of that year, both parties signed a preliminary peace agreement mediated by the United States in the Qatari capital of Doha.

Despite the signing of that framework in Qatar, armed clashes continued to disrupt the eastern provinces and displace local populations. The newly drafted roadmap seeks to revive the Doha accord by introducing specific sequencing, clear operational deadlines, and mutual procedural commitments intended to keep both sides engaged in structured negotiations.