DR Congo and M23 Rebels Outline Peace Roadmap in Swiss Talks

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:38:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Congo, backed by Rwanda, and the M23 rebel group have agreed to a ceasefire monitoring mechanism amid ongoing violence in eastern DR Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have pledged a comprehensive peace plan during a five‑day Swiss summit, citing the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement. They created a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations and set a sequence of negotiated steps, though disagreements persist over sanctions and political reforms. Attendees included representatives from Qatar, the US, Togo, the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, with a verification mission slated for Monday in Minembwe, South Kivu. Despite the agreement, conflict continues in northern and southern Kivu, reflecting long‑standing tensions over the FDLR and alleged support for M23.

DR Congo and M23 Rebels Outline Peace Roadmap in Swiss Talks

After a five‑day meeting in Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda‑backed M23 rebel group have pledged to advance a comprehensive peace process under the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement.

The joint statement announced a ceasefire‑monitoring mechanism and a sequenced timetable for future negotiations, while acknowledging key disputes over sanctions, detainee releases and political reforms.

Representatives from Qatar, the US, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland attended the talks. A secretariat was created and the first verification mission is scheduled for Monday in Minembwe, a hotspot in South Kivu.

Despite the agreement, fighting continues in North and South Kivu, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. The conflict remains tied to broader tensions between Congo and Rwanda, especially over the FDLR and alleged support for M23.

The eastern region, rich in coltan and other minerals, continues to fuel both the local economy and global electronics supply chains, making any resolution highly significant.