AFC/M23: Dispute with DRC to Be Resolved in Qatar

South Kivu, December 5, 2025 - The AFC/M23 coalition, engaged in conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced that its dispute with the DRC government will be addressed through talks in Doha, Qatar, rather than in the United States, according to Deputy Spokesperson Dr. Oscar Balinda.

Dr. Balinda emphasized that while the Rwanda-DRC peace agreement signed on December 4, 2025, in Washington includes provisions relevant to AFC/M23 demands-notably the destruction of the FDLR terrorist group and the repatriation of Congolese refugees-it does not halt fighting in eastern DRC. He clarified, “The ones fighting on the battlefield are the Kinshasa regime, the Tshisekedi government, and AFC/M23. Our problem is in Doha. There is no war between them.”

Despite the Washington agreement, DRC armed forces, including Congolese, Burundian, and Wazalendo troops, continued attacks on Kamanyola, Katogota, and Luvungi, resulting in 23 confirmed deaths and multiple injuries, according to AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka.

The group stressed that the Qatar-mediated talks are intended to create a ceasefire environment conducive to lasting peace negotiations.