DRC-AFC/M23 Talks: Parties Agree on Urgent Humanitarian Measures

Montreux, April 17, 2026 - Delegates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebellion have agreed on the urgent need to facilitate humanitarian aid and protect essential civilian infrastructure, following a new round of talks held in Switzerland. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar and conducted from April 13 to 17 in Montreux, resulted in what both sides described as “substantial progress” toward a protocol on humanitarian access and legal protection, according to a joint communiqué issued at the close of the discussions. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to respecting international humanitarian law, human rights law, and refugee law, while also adhering to the constitutional principles of the DRC. The communiqué further highlights a pledge to refrain from targeting or damaging infrastructure critical to civilian survival. This includes food supplies, agricultural land, livestock, water installations, irrigation systems, as well as telecommunications, energy services, hospitals, and schools. The renewed engagement marks a shift after months of stalled negotiations and comes against the backdrop of a deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC, where ongoing clashes have continued to impact civilian populations. Observers say the outcome could represent a step toward easing humanitarian conditions, though its implementation will depend on sustained commitment from both sides on the ground.