Historic Peace Talks in Switzerland Advance Humanitarian Efforts in Eastern DRC
Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), alongside key international mediators, convened in Montreux, Switzerland, from April 13 to April 17, to advance peace efforts in eastern DRC. The discussions focused on implementing the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in November 2025, with a particular emphasis on humanitarian access and judicial protection for civilians caught in the conflict.
The talks, facilitated by the State of Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo (acting as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, marked a significant step forward in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. Both parties acknowledged the urgent need to ensure life-saving assistance reaches vulnerable populations and committed to adhering to international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee laws.
Key Agreements Reached
The negotiations yielded several critical agreements aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid. The parties pledged to refrain from attacking or destroying essential civilian infrastructure, including food supplies, water sources, healthcare facilities, schools, and energy networks. They also agreed to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian workers and goods, allowing aid to reach populations in need without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
In a landmark move, the DRC government and AFC/M23 signed a memorandum of understanding operationalizing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). This mechanism will oversee the implementation of the permanent ceasefire established under the Doha Framework, with support from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Initial verification missions are expected to commence within a week.
Focus on Humanitarian Protection
The parties emphasized the importance of safeguarding humanitarian actors and civilians, particularly women and children, from violence and exploitation. They committed to preventing the diversion or pillaging of aid and ensuring impartial selection of beneficiaries and providers. Additionally, they agreed to release prisoners within ten days, in line with the Mechanism for the Liberation of Detainees signed in September 2025, as a confidence-building measure.
Gratitude for International Support
Both the DRC government and AFC/M23 expressed their appreciation for the unwavering support of Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, Togo, the African Union Commission, and MONUSCO in advancing peace efforts. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the momentum of the peace process and expediting negotiations on remaining protocols under the Doha Framework.
These developments offer a glimmer of hope for the millions of civilians affected by years of conflict in eastern DRC. However, the road to lasting peace remains challenging, requiring continued collaboration and adherence to the agreements reached in Montreux.
— Reported by Nexio News
