Joint statement between representatives of Government of DRC and Representatives of Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement on Doha Peace Process

Doha: Key stakeholders in the DRC peace process issued a joint statement on Aug. 23, 2026, following a series of meetings in Switzerland from Aug. 17 to Aug. 21, 2026. The statement addressed the progress and challenges encountered in implementing the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), signed in Doha on Nov. 15, 2025.

The representatives discussed the path forward for fulfilling existing obligations and negotiating remaining protocols under the Doha Framework. They welcomed the continued advancement of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) and the establishment of its Secretariat. They also highlighted the EJVM+ reconnaissance mission to Minembwe, conducted on Aug. 20, in preparation for the EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission scheduled for Aug. 24.

The parties agreed on the need for a standardized method to report ceasefire violations and established a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing their commitments under the Doha Framework. They committed to flexibility and creativity in the negotiation process while adhering to the existing structure of the Framework Agreement.

The representatives agreed that the sequence of negotiating protocols does not dictate the timing of their implementation. They reaffirmed their dedication to pursuing comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Doha Framework Agreement. Finally, the parties expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United States of America, Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, and the African Union Commission for their ongoing support in advancing peace and stability throughout the eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.