The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance (M23 Movement) have signed an agreement in Doha to establish a Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, October 14, aligns with the Doha Declaration of Principles adopted on July 19, 2025, and aims to ensure the effective implementation of the permanent ceasefire.
The newly established mechanism will monitor compliance, investigate and verify reported violations, and engage relevant parties to prevent the resumption of hostilities.
The State of Qatar, the United States of America, and the African Union will participate in the mechanism as observers, enhancing transparency and reinforcing international support for the peace process in the Great Lakes region.
“The State of Qatar, the United States of America, and the African Union will participate in this mechanism as observers, enhancing transparency and supporting regional and international efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the peace process in the Great Lakes region,” read part of the statement.
“The establishment of the mechanism represents a pivotal step toward enhancing confidence-building and moving forward toward a comprehensive peace agreement between the two parties to the conflict.”
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Congo Govt, Rwanda-Backed M23 Sign Ceasefire Monitoring Deal
Qatar described the move as a significant confidence-building step toward achieving a comprehensive peace agreement between the DRC government and the M23 movement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the African Union, the United States, and the Togolese Republic for their constructive contributions and continued support in advancing the peace process.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced the State of Qatar’s gratitude and appreciation to the African Union, the United States of America, and the Togolese Republic for their constructive contributions to supporting this process,” ended the statement.
Also Read: Breakthrough for Kagame, Tshikedi as M23 and DRC Agree on Way Forward
M23 Rebels Suspend Peace Talks with DR Congo Govt
In August 2025, the M23 pulled out of peace talks with the government, accusing authorities of failing to honour a previously signed ceasefire agreement.
The group announced that its representatives would not attend the latest round of negotiations in Qatar, where both sides were expected to build on the signed ceasefire accord.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka told the BBC’s Great Lakes service that the Congolese government “doesn’t want peace,” alleging that its forces continued to attack rebel positions in violation of the deal.
However, the DRC military denied the accusations, countering that M23 fighters have been launching near-daily assaults in North and South Kivu provinces.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered in Qatar and viewed as a step toward a lasting peace, came after renewed fighting in January, during which M23 captured vast areas of the country’s mineral-rich east, including Goma, the regional capital.
That agreement was celebrated by United States (US) President Donald Trump as a “glorious triumph”.
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