DRC and AFC/M23 Establish New Roadmap to Advance Doha Peace Process

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) have agreed to establish a mechanism to review progress and address implementation challenges, while setting out a roadmap with clear steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework.

This development was announced in a joint statement released on Saturday by representatives of Qatar, the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, AFC/M23, Togo, the African Union Commission, and Switzerland.

The agreement followed a series of meetings held in Switzerland from 17 to 21 August. These gatherings brought together representatives of the DRC and AFC/M23, alongside international partners including Qatar, the United States, Togo as the African Union mediator, Switzerland, and the African Union Commission, to assess ongoing progress and challenges in implementing the Doha peace process.

According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties discussed the path forward for fulfilling existing obligations and commitments, as well as negotiating remaining protocols under the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the DRC and AFC/M23, which was signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.

Participants welcomed progress on the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), which includes the establishment of its secretariat and a reconnaissance mission on August 20 ahead of the first ceasefire verification mission in Minembwe scheduled for August 24. The parties also agreed on the importance of maintaining a standardized method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations.

To evaluate these efforts, the parties developed a roadmap outlining sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement, committing to flexibility and creativity within the existing structure. They further agreed that the order of negotiation for protocols does not dictate their implementation order, reaffirming their dedication to pursuing comprehensive peace and conflict resolution.

The DRC government and AFC/M23 shared recommendations for constructive negotiations and expressed gratitude to Qatar and other international partners for supporting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

Qatar has maintained a leading mediation role between DR Congo and M23, hosting peace talks to help end the conflict. On July 19, 2025, DR Congo and M23 signed a declaration of principles in Doha aimed at halting hostilities in eastern Congo, committing both sides to a permanent ceasefire following an earlier peace deal signed between the DRC and Rwanda in Washington in June 2025.