By KT Reporter
Democratic Republic of Congo government and the March 23 Movement(M23)/ Congo River Alliance (AFC) rebels have on Tuesday afternoon signed the Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism as one of the steps towards implementation of peace process in the war troubled eastern part of the country.
Under the facilitation of Qatar, the mechanism was signed in pressnce of representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23, as well as observers from Qatar, the United States, the African Union, the ICGLR (through the MCVE), and MONUSCO.
The mechanism entrusts the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with a role as a neutral intermediary for the identification and release of detainees, one of the key points of divergence in the discussions.
The signed mechanism also provides for the establishment of specific actors and modalities for the verification of the ceasefire, although these details have not yet been made public.
The mechanist also aims to ensure real control of the pause in hostilities in a region marked by long-term instability.
DR Congo’s Ministry of Communications and Media released a statement confirming the development and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a cessation of hostilities, guaranteeing the security of the population, and preparing the conditions for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, within the framework of the process.
The statement released by DRC’s Ministry of Communications and Media reads:
“Delegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo River Alliance/M23 signed the Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, under the facilitation of Qatar. This mechanism includes representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23, as well as observers from Qatar, the United States, the African Union, the ICGLR (through the MCVE), and MONUSCO. This signing, which took place one month after the establishment of the Prisoner Exchange and Release Mechanism, constitutes a major step in the implementation of the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025. Through this act, the Democratic Republic of Congo reaffirms its commitment to achieving a cessation of hostilities, guaranteeing the security of the population, and preparing the conditions for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, within the framework of the Doha process supported by the international community.”
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 rebels political spokesperson also released a statement confirming signing of the mechanism describing it as a significant step forward toward ending the root cause of the conflict.
Kanyuka says M23/AFC hope that agreement will put an end to the repeated attacks perpetrated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime against civilian populations.
He says that Kinshasa fully respects its commitments, this application will create the climate of serenity, peace and security essential to enable them to finally address the fundamental issues of this conflict and ensure the protection of civilians.
And the stamement by Kanyuka reads:
“Finally, the Kinshasa regime signed the protocol establishing the ceasefire verification mechanism. This is a significant step forward. We hope that this agreement will put an end to the repeated attacks perpetrated by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime against our civilian populations. If Kinshasa fully respects its commitments, this application will create the climate of serenity, peace and security essential to enable us to finally address the fundamental issues of this conflict and ensure the protection of civilians.”
Fighting between M23 rebels and FARDC/coalition has of recent been raging on several fronts in North and South Kivu provinces. Each part has accusing each other of launching attacks.
The mechanism signing comes few days after DR Congo also signed a peace deal with Rwanda facilitated by Washington. After signing, DR Congo asked Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda -FDLR fighters who stay in North and South Kivu and accused of carrying out 1994 genocide in Rwanda to surrender voluntary for repatriation or be forced to do so.
M23 rebels control the majority of areas in North and South Kivu provinces, including Goma, Bukavu cities, Goma international airport and Kavumu airport.
Since the resumption of the M23 insurgency in 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership.
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