DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks

The Democratic Republic of Congo authorities and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel movement have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks following five days of negotiations in Switzerland. The sides said they had pledged to "pursue negotiations towards broad bid and struggle resolution" and acceptable up a mechanics to show the ceasefire. The roadmap establishes a timeline for discussions under a US‑brokered bid model that was signed in 2025, a framework intended to guide efforts toward lasting peace in the eastern DR Congo, where conflict has persisted for decades. Outstanding disagreements remain over sanctions against M23, the handling of detainees and the schedule for political reforms. The latest round of talks included representatives from M23, the Congolese government, Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo, the African Union Commission and Swiss officials. "The parties agreed to found a mechanics tasked with reviewing advancement and addressing challenges successful implementation of obligations and commitments nether the Doha Framework Agreement," the connection added, referring to the 2025 deal. They also outlined "sequenced steps and timelines" while reiterating a commitment to "flexibility and creativity." Furthermore, they agreed to put in place a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations. Its secretariat has been set up and the first verification team is expected to deploy on Monday in Minembwe, a locality in South Kivu that has seen fighting. Clashes have continued in North and South Kivu despite repeated ceasefire pledges, with both the government and M23 accusing each other of breaches.