rki.news | Source: Xinhua
KINSHASA: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace negotiations, according to a joint statement issued Saturday.
The agreement followed meetings held from Aug. 17 to 21 in Switzerland, where both sides reviewed progress and challenges in the Doha peace process and discussed implementing commitments.
The roadmap sets out the sequence and timetable for future negotiations. The two sides also agreed to establish a mechanism to monitor progress and address challenges in fulfilling commitments under the Doha Framework Agreement.
They welcomed progress in establishing a ceasefire verification mechanism, with its first mission scheduled for Aug. 24 in Minembwe, South Kivu Province.
Both sides stressed the need for standardized reporting of alleged ceasefire violations and reaffirmed their commitment to peace and conflict resolution.
M23 intensified offensives in eastern DRC in January 2025, capturing several key cities.
Under Qatari mediation, the DRC government and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha in July 2025 and a framework agreement in November, pledging dialogue, stabilization and efforts to address the conflict’s root causes.