DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed a roadmap for peace talks.In a joint statement after five days of talks in Switzerland, they said they had pledged to "pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution" and set up a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire.The roadmap sets out a timeline for talks under a US-brokered peace framework which they signed in 2025 - only for fighting to then continue in eastern DR Congo, which has been engulfed in conflict for decades.But disagreements remain over issues including sanctions against M23, the release of detainees and the timing of political reforms.The latest negotiations were attended by M23, the government of DR Congo, Qatar, the US, the Republic of Togo, the African Union Commission and host Switzerland."The parties agreed to establish a mechanism tasked with reviewing progress and addressing challenges in implementation of obligations and commitments under the Doha Framework Agreement," the statement added, referring to the 2025 deal.They developed "sequenced steps and timelines" while also committing to "flexibility and creativity", the statement said. They also agreed to implement a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations. Its secretariat has been established and the first verification mission is due to take place on Monday in Minembwe, an area of South Kivu affected by fighting.