Roadmap agreed between Kinshasa and M23: Small steps toward peace?

Discussions held in Montreux, Switzerland, between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) and M23 rebels have yielded a roadmap for further peace negotiations. Facilitated by Switzerland, Qatar, and the United States, the talks from August 17-21 are part of the Doha process, initiated in October 2025, aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the RDC.

Swiss diplomacy, alongside mediation efforts from Togo and the African Union, has been instrumental in these discussions. The agreement on a roadmap is considered an important advancement in the pursuit of peace, fostering hope among observers. However, the RDC remains a region where conflict persists, and a credible exit from the crisis has yet to emerge.

The sincerity between the conflicting parties remains a key concern. Both sides frequently accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreements signed in Doha. A mission to evaluate and verify the ceasefire was scheduled for August 24 in the volatile highlands of South Kivu, an area known for its community tensions and armed clashes.

While the agreement to sit together and establish a roadmap is a positive development, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges. The true test lies in the parties' commitment to respecting the agreements made. International partners are closely watching, urging both sides to build trust and ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire concluded under the Doha accords, which has faced significant difficulties on the ground. Substantial effort is still required to achieve lasting peace.