Peace Talks Between DR Congo and AFC/M23 Shifted to Geneva
Peace negotiations between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel movement have been relocated from Qatar to Switzerland, with the next round of discussions scheduled for April 14 in Geneva, officials have confirmed.
The talks, initially mediated in Doha since April 2025, have produced several key agreements despite ongoing hostilities. Among the milestones reached are the July 19 declaration of principles, the October 14 ceasefire monitoring agreement, and the November 15 peace framework.
According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda, the relocation was prompted by instability in the Middle East. “The peace talks have been moved to Switzerland due to the conflict in the Middle East and this has been done at the request of the mediators,” he said on Monday, April 6.
Balinda noted that the upcoming session will focus on humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas, forming the third of eight protocols agreed upon during the Doha negotiations.
He, however, accused the Congolese government of failing to implement its commitments under earlier agreements, particularly regarding the ceasefire and release of prisoners. While asserting that AFC/M23 has upheld its obligations, Balinda maintained that the group still has confidence in the peace process.
“We have always sought to have peace talks, but the government has waged the war against us,” he stated.
The rebel spokesperson also pointed out that Kinshasa only agreed to negotiations after more than three years of fighting, during which the AFC/M23 gained control over large areas, including the strategic eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The AFC/M23 continues to accuse the government-aligned coalition—comprising Burundian forces, the FDLR militia, Wazalendo armed groups, and foreign mercenaries—of repeated ceasefire violations.
Recent incidents cited include a March 11 drone strike on Goma that killed three civilians, among them a French humanitarian worker affiliated with UNICEF. Additional drone attacks in the Minembwe area of South Kivu province reportedly resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians, with the rebel group attributing responsibility to the government coalition.
