AFC/M23 Delegates Return to Doha Peace Talks Following Uvira Capture

Kigali, December 12, 2025 - Doha, Qatar - The AFC/M23 coalition, active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that its delegates have returned to peace talks in Doha, Qatar. The announcement was made by AFC/M23 Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Oscar Balinda on December 11, 2025, following the coalition’s capture of Uvira in South Kivu province.

Dr. Balinda stated: “The invitation reached us, our people have taken the plane, and we are moving forward to complete the remaining six fundamental principles. We must also show a strong will to implement each principle to achieve lasting peace in the DRC and the region.”

The AFC/M23 delegation arrived in Doha on the morning of December 12, where they are scheduled to meet with the DRC government in talks facilitated by the Government of Qatar.

On November 15, AFC/M23 and the DRC government signed eight basic principles, including supporting humanitarian operations, restoring state power, establishing interim security measures, repatriating refugees, reviving the economy, and creating a truth, reconciliation, and justice commission. Prior agreements on a complete cessation of hostilities and the transfer of prisoners had not yet been implemented.

Dr. Balinda noted that if the DRC government begins to respect the ceasefire and releases some of the 700 prisoners requested by AFC/M23, there would be hope for progress on the other principles.

Earlier, on December 10, Bertrand Bisimwa, Deputy Director of AFC/M23 in charge of political, diplomatic, and governance activities, warned that the delegation in Doha would emphasize ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreement by the DRC government.