AFC/M23 Defends Achievements and Calls for Preservation of Gains

Doha, January 13, 2026 - The AFC/M23 has reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting the progress achieved under the Doha peace process and urging that these gains be preserved. In correspondence addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union, Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Political Coordinator of the AFC/M23, acknowledged messages conveyed through Angola under the leadership of João Lourenço. He praised Angola’s mediation efforts and underscored the importance of the negotiations conducted in Doha, under the auspices of Qatar, with the active involvement of the African Union, the United States, and other partners. Nangaa recalled that since March 30, 2024, both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 have been fully engaged in a negotiation process aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict through political dialogue. Five Major Agreements Cited According to Nangaa, the Doha framework has enabled the signing of five major instruments, described as “structuring and irreversible” milestones in the peace process: Joint Communiqué - April 24, 2025 Declaration of Principles - July 19, 2025 Mechanism for the Release of Detainees - September 10, 2025 Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism - October 14, 2025 Doha Framework Agreement for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement - November 15, 2025 He stressed that these agreements represent concrete and recognized progress, achieved through consistent and professional mediation. Call to Preserve the Doha Framework Nangaa emphasized that peace processes are inherently complex and require time, patience, and trust-building, arguing that every step forward is a valuable asset that must be protected. He insisted that the Doha agreements should be treated as fundamental and irreversible achievements requiring full implementation and consolidation. He further noted that neither party has denounced the Doha framework and that both the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 remain formally committed to the process, alongside mediators working toward a comprehensive and lasting peace. Regional Diplomacy and Ongoing Tensions The correspondence comes amid renewed diplomatic activity involving Angola, following several meetings between President Félix Tshisekedi and President João Lourenço, who currently chairs the African Union. While these engagements have fueled speculation about a new diplomatic initiative, no official confirmation has been made. This dynamic unfolds against a backdrop of continued tension between Kinshasa and Kigali, despite the ratification of agreements under the Washington process by Presidents Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame. Mutual accusations persist over alleged failures to honor commitments. Similarly, the Doha talks, intended to complement the Washington agreements by addressing core issues such as the restoration of state authority and the reintegration of armed groups, are facing difficulties in translating into tangible improvements on the ground. This diplomatic stagnation continues to fuel ongoing clashes between the AFC/M23 and Congolese government forces.