DR Congo government and M23 rebels strike peace deal roadmap in fresh push to end fighting

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks aimed at ending years of conflict in the country’s eastern region.

The agreement was reached after five days of negotiations in Switzerland, with both sides committing to pursue a comprehensive peace process and establish a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations.

The talks were held under a US-brokered peace framework signed in 2025, although fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo despite repeated ceasefire commitments.

Under the latest agreement, the parties will establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing their obligations under the Doha Framework Agreement. They also agreed on a series of steps and timelines for the negotiations, while pledging to remain flexible in resolving outstanding issues.

A separate ceasefire monitoring mechanism has also been established, with its first verification mission scheduled for Monday in Minembwe, an area of South Kivu that has been affected by fighting.

However, significant disagreements remain, including over sanctions against M23, the release of detainees and the timing of political reforms.

The negotiations brought together representatives of M23 and the DR Congo government, alongside officials from Qatar, the United States, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland.

The conflict in eastern DR Congo is closely linked to tensions between Kinshasa and neighbouring Rwanda. Rwanda has accused DR Congo of failing to dismantle the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which Kigali considers a security threat.

DR Congo denies supporting the FDLR and has accused Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons. Kigali denies supporting the rebels and says its military presence in the region is defensive.

The conflict intensified in January 2025 when M23 seized large parts of eastern DR Congo, including Goma and two airports.