The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebel movement signed on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Doha, a new ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism covering the North and South Kivu provinces. The agreement was reached under the mediation of Qatar and marks a significant step forward in the ongoing peace process after several rounds of difficult negotiations.
The newly signed mechanism aims to ensure effective monitoring of the cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC, a region that has endured years of instability and conflict.
Discussions between the two parties also covered the exchange of detainees, a contentious issue in previous talks. A prior agreement had assigned the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) a neutral intermediary role in identifying and releasing prisoners from both sides.
The composition and implementation details of the new monitoring mechanism have not yet been made public.
Another key issue on the agenda remains the return of Congolese refugees currently living in neighboring countries. The Congolese government insists on prior identification and opposes repatriation to areas still affected by fighting, while the M23 calls for the immediate return of displaced citizens.
This development is part of a series of steps launched since July 2025 within the Doha peace process, aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement in the DRC.
Sumbu Sita Mambu, the High Representative of the Congolese President in charge of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, signed the declaration of principles with the M23 in Doha on July 19, 2025, symbolizing a renewed commitment to dialogue.
