Doha: A joint statement was issued by the representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the representatives of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), alongside representatives from the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo, Switzerland, and the African Union Commission, during meetings held in Switzerland from August 17 to August 21, 2026. These discussions focused on the implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting aimed to assess the progress and challenges encountered within the Doha Process framework. The participants discussed the path forward for implementing existing obligations and commitments, as well as negotiating remaining protocols under the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, initially signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.
The parties welcomed the progress on the operationalization of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), including the establishment of its Secretariat. They also acknowledged the EJVM+ reconnaissance mission conducted on August 20, with logistical support from MONUSCO, ahead of the first ceasefire verification mission scheduled for August 24 in Minembwe.
The joint statement emphasized the importance of a standardized method for reporting allegations of ceasefire violations. An agreement was reached to establish a mechanism to review progress and address challenges in implementing obligations and commitments under the Doha Framework Agreement.
Following the evaluation, a roadmap was developed outlining sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Doha Framework Agreement. The parties committed to flexibility and creativity within the existing structure provided by the agreement.
The order of negotiation of the protocols was agreed not to dictate the order of implementation. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Framework Agreement.
Recommendations were shared with the facilitation on the path forward for constructive negotiations and promoting the implementation of commitments undertaken by both parties.
The representatives of the Government of the DRC and the AFC/M23 expressed gratitude to the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo, Switzerland, and the African Union Commission for their support in advancing peace and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.