DRC Government Refuses to Resume Peace Talks with AFC/M23

KINSHASA, DRC - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has refused to resume peace talks with the AFC/M23 rebel group, rejecting both face-to-face and video-conference negotiations. The government continues to allege that the group has taken control of Uvira and other areas in the Rusizi Valley, despite AFC/M23 claims to the contrary.

The AFC/M23 said it withdrew its fighters from Uvira on 17 and 18 December 2025 to foster trust and facilitate peace talks, but the government has not acknowledged this withdrawal.

Instead, the DRC is focusing on seeking sanctions against the rebel fighters, accusing them of violating the ceasefire. The AFC/M23 denied these allegations, arguing that the government had fired in several areas, including Kamanyola, breaching its obligations.

The two parties were expected to discuss six core principles aimed at achieving a lasting peace agreement:

Creating a commission for truth, reconciliation, and justice

Additionally, the parties had previously agreed on principles concerning the ceasefire, its monitoring, and the transfer of prisoners.

On 22 December 2025, Togo’s Prime Minister, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, currently the African Union (AU) mediator, made a short visit to Kinshasa. While his visit’s details remain undisclosed, the Presidential Office of the DRC said he discussed the security situation in South and North Kivu and areas under AFC/M23 control with President Félix Tshisekedi.