Representatives from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement concluded five days of talks in Switzerland on August 21, 2026, alongside international mediators, to advance implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in November 2025.
The meetings, held from August 17 to 21, brought together delegations from the DRC government and AFC/M23 with facilitators from the State of Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo in its capacity as African Union mediator, the African Union Commission, and Switzerland. The parties assessed progress and challenges in the Doha Process and discussed the path forward for fulfilling existing obligations while negotiating the remaining protocols under the framework agreement.
Participants welcomed continued progress on the operationalization of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, including the establishment of its secretariat. A reconnaissance mission conducted on August 20 with logistical support from MONUSCO paved the way for the first EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission, scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe. The parties also agreed on the importance of a standardized method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations.
To sustain momentum, the delegations agreed to establish a dedicated mechanism tasked with reviewing progress and addressing challenges in the implementation of commitments under the Doha Framework Agreement. Following this evaluation, they developed a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for future negotiations. The parties committed to flexibility and creativity within the existing structure provided by the framework agreement, noting that the order of negotiation of the protocols does not dictate the order of their implementation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to pursue negotiations toward comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the framework agreement. They also shared recommendations with the facilitation team regarding the path forward for constructive talks and the promotion of commitments undertaken by both parties.
The representatives of the DRC government and AFC/M23 expressed gratitude to Qatar, the United States, Togo as the AU mediator, Switzerland, and the AU Commission for their steadfast support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. The talks mark a continued diplomatic effort to translate the Doha Framework’s provisions into measurable security improvements on the ground, with the upcoming verification mission in Minembwe serving as a critical test of the ceasefire monitoring architecture.
