Summary
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group are negotiating in Switzerland to create a peace monitoring agreement. This effort is supported by the United States, Qatar, and the United Nations to reduce ongoing violence despite a previous peace deal signed in December 2024.
Key Facts
- The DRC government and M23 rebels started talks in Switzerland on Monday.
- The talks are mediated by the United States and Qatar.
- They agreed on an interim peace monitoring mechanism to watch over security and humanitarian issues.
- The monitoring body will have members from both sides and support from the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO).
- Fighting continues in eastern DRC, with thousands of civilians caught in conflict zones like Minembwe.
- M23 rebels control large areas in eastern DRC, including major cities Goma and Bukavu.
- DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace and economic agreement in December 2024.
- Human Rights Watch says civilians face a serious humanitarian crisis in South Kivu, with blocked aid and limited safe movement.
