DR Congo and AFC/M23 agree roadmap under the Doha peace process
DR Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel alliance said in a joint statement on 22 August 2026 that they had agreed a roadmap with sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework.
Summary
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) issued a joint statement on 22 August 2026 after talks in Switzerland from 17 to 21 August, together with Qatar, the United States, Togo (as African Union mediator), Switzerland and the African Union Commission. The parties developed a roadmap setting out sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in Doha on 15 November 2025, and agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. They also agreed to set up a mechanism to review implementation and a standard method for reporting ceasefire violations. The first ceasefire verification mission of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) was scheduled for 24 August in Minembwe.
Key facts
- Statement
- 22 Aug 2026
- Talks
- Switzerland, 17–21 Aug 2026
- Facilitators
- Qatar, US, Togo (AU mediator), Switzerland, AU Commission
- Framework
- Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, 15 Nov 2025
- Outcome
- Roadmap with sequenced steps and timelines; review mechanism
- Verification
- EJVM+ first mission, Minembwe, 24 Aug
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.