DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks

Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the M23 rebel group met in Switzerland to establish a roadmap for peace talks aimed at resolving their long-standing conflict. After five days of discussions, they issued a joint statement pledging to pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution. A key outcome is the agreement to set up a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire, with the first verification mission scheduled for Monday. This roadmap follows a US-brokered peace framework signed in 2025, though fighting has persisted. Disagreements persist regarding sanctions against M23, detainee releases, and the timing of political reforms. The talks were attended by various international and regional bodies, including the US, Qatar, the African Union Commission, and Switzerland.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and an M23-led rebel alliance have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks to end ongoing fighting that has caused significant casualties and displacement. This roadmap, developed under a November framework agreement signed in Doha, Qatar, outlines sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations. The agreement followed five days of talks in Switzerland, involving representatives from the US, Qatar, Togo, Switzerland, and the African Union Commission. Both sides also agreed on a standardized method for reporting ceasefire violations and will establish a mechanism to address implementation issues. A ceasefire verification mission is scheduled to arrive in the eastern Minembwe region. Despite these steps, fighting continues on the ground, with the M23 claiming DRC forces conducted drone attacks on populated areas.