Congo-Kinshasa: Joint Statement Between DR Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on the Doha Process

On August 17 to 21, 2026, representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) met in Switzerland to discuss the implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. They reviewed progress made, addressed challenges, and outlined steps for future negotiations. The Doha Framework Agreement was signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.

The representatives welcomed the establishment of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), including the formation of its Secretariat. They also acknowledged the successful conduct of a reconnaissance mission on August 20, 2026, in preparation for the first EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission scheduled for August 24, 2026, in Minembwe.

Both parties agreed on the necessity of a standardized method for reporting ceasefire violations and agreed to establish a mechanism to evaluate progress and tackle implementation challenges. They committed to a flexible and creative approach to negotiations, emphasizing that the order of protocol negotiation does not dictate the order of implementation.

The parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to pursuing comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Doha Framework Agreement. They shared recommendations with the facilitation to support constructive negotiations and the timely fulfillment of their commitments. The representatives expressed gratitude to Qatar, the United States, Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, and the African Union Commission for their ongoing support in promoting peace and stability in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.