The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-linked M23 movement have agreed on a framework intended to revive peace negotiations and reinforce a fragile ceasefire in the country’s troubled east.
The understanding followed five days of discussions in Switzerland involving representatives from Kinshasa and M23, alongside mediators and observers from Qatar, the United States, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland.
In a joint communiqué, both sides promised to continue talks aimed at achieving a broad political settlement.
They also endorsed a process for assessing compliance with commitments made under the Doha Framework Agreement, a US-supported accord signed in 2025.
The plan includes a series of deadlines and carefully ordered measures. Participants also agreed to maintain room for compromise as negotiations proceed.
A separate ceasefire-monitoring structure has been created, with its administrative office already functioning.
Its first field inquiry is scheduled for Monday in Minembwe, in South Kivu, where hostilities have recently been reported.
Despite earlier pledges to halt combat, clashes have persisted across North and South Kivu.
Kinshasa and M23 continue to blame one another for breaching truce arrangements.
Several contentious matters remain unresolved. They include international penalties imposed on M23, the handover of people held by the opposing side and the timetable for proposed political changes.
The crisis is rooted in longstanding friction between Congo and Rwanda.
Kigali says Kinshasa has not neutralised the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, an armed organisation that Rwanda regards as a serious threat.
Congolese authorities reject allegations that they assist the FDLR and instead accuse Rwanda of supplying fighters and weaponry to M23.
Rwanda denies backing the movement, arguing that any military activity in the area is defensive.
The security situation deteriorated sharply in January 2025, when M23 captured large sections of eastern Congo, including the strategic city of Goma and two airports.
The prolonged violence has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
The region also contains substantial deposits of coltan and other minerals used in the manufacture of electronic devices.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong