The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 have agreed on a roadmap for peace talks, setting out the next steps and timetable under the Doha framework.
The deal comes after months of stalled diplomacy and renewed fighting in the east, following talks held in Switzerland from August 17 to 21.
The roadmap is intended to define the successive stages and timetable for negotiations under the Doha framework, according to a joint statement issued by the Swiss government.
READ ALSO: DRC Receives 70,000 Doses Of Ebola Vaccine
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive peace agreement and resolving the conflict through implementation of the Doha framework.
Violations of Ceasefire
The parties also agreed on a standardised method for reporting alleged violations of the ceasefire, a step seen as important to rebuilding confidence between the two sides.
A first ceasefire verification mission under the MCVE+ mechanism is scheduled to take place Monday in Minembwe, in South Kivu province.
The participants also agreed to establish a mechanism to assess progress and identify challenges in implementing the commitments made under the Doha framework.
The discussions included efforts to strengthen the MCVE+ mechanism, including the creation of its secretariat and preparations for its first field verification mission.
Progress
The United States welcomed what it described as progress in the Doha peace process.
A senior adviser to US President Donald Trump for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs and senior adviser for Africa at the State Department, Massad Boulos, said he was encouraged by the results of the Swiss meetings.
“I welcome the additional progress made during the meetings held in Switzerland from 17 to 21 August regarding the continuation of the Doha Framework Agreement,” Boulos said in a statement posted on X.
He reaffirmed Washington’s support for peace and stability in eastern Congo and the wider Great Lakes region.
Boulos also highlighted the role of Qatar, Togo, Switzerland, the African Union Commission and other partners in supporting the diplomatic process.
Africanews/Shakirat Sadiq
