KINSHASA - The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
The agreement was reached after five days of negotiations in Switzerland, with the parties pledging to pursue negotiations towards a comprehensive peace and conflict resolution.
The two sides also agreed to establish a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations as part of efforts to strengthen the implementation of their commitments.
The roadmap sets out a timeline for negotiations under a US-brokered peace framework signed in 2025, although fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo despite the agreement.
However, disagreements remain over several issues, including sanctions against M23, the release of detainees and the timing of political reforms.
The latest negotiations brought together representatives of M23, the government of DR Congo, Qatar, the United States, Togo, the African Union Commission and Switzerland.
The parties agreed to establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing obligations and commitments under the 2025 Doha Framework Agreement.
They also developed sequenced steps and timelines while committing to flexibility in addressing outstanding issues.
The ceasefire monitoring mechanism has since been established, with its first verification mission expected to take place on Monday in Minembwe, an area of South Kivu affected by fighting.
The agreement marks a further attempt to advance diplomatic efforts to end the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo, where fighting has continued despite previous peace initiatives.
Source: BBC