Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 Sign ICGLR-Backed Mechanism Mandate

Doha QATAR, February 2, 2026 - The government of the DRC and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) signed the mandate of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Doha on Monday. The signing followed a meeting of the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, organized by Qatar as part of its mediation efforts to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Peace Framework, signed on November 15, 2025, and expressed their determination to implement all provisions in good faith to support the peace process. The meeting included members of the mechanism, with the United States and the African Union as observers, as well as Togo, the AU-appointed mediator, MONUSCO, and the ICGLR. Discussions focused on the evolving situation and current challenges, emphasizing the need to implement concrete measures to strengthen monitoring, verification, and information sharing in support of the peace process. Plans for implementing the mechanism by MONUSCO and the ICGLR were reviewed, and both parties reaffirmed their commitment to supporting these efforts. MONUSCO will deploy an initial mission to Uvira in the coming days to monitor the ceasefire, with communication channels established to facilitate operations. Members also agreed on next steps to strengthen the effectiveness of the mechanism and ensure regular meetings within its framework.