The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movement of 23 March (AFC/M23) have officially established a joint mechanism to monitor and verify compliance with the permanent ceasefire agreed upon in the July 19, 2025 Doha Declaration of Principles.
The Mechanism for Monitoring and Verification of the Ceasefire, signed by Sumbu Sita Mambu for the DRC government and René Abandi for the AFC/M23, outlines the operational procedures and coordination framework for ensuring that both parties uphold their commitments to peace.
The new structure follows mediation facilitated by the State of Qatar and includes representatives from the DRC government and AFC/M23 in equal measure.
It will also involve the African Union, the United States, and Qatar as observers, while the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), through its Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (MCVE+), will play a central coordination role. The United Nations Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) will provide logistical support.
According to the agreement, the Mechanism’s mission is to ensure continuous surveillance and verification of the ceasefire, investigate any alleged violations, and recommend necessary measures to prevent escalation.
The MCVE+ will have unrestricted access to both sides of the frontline to facilitate ground-level monitoring and will compile weekly reports documenting its findings.
The accord also details how the Mechanism will operate. Meetings will primarily be held virtually on a monthly or ad hoc basis, with flexibility to adjust frequency as needed.
The first meeting is expected to take place within seven days of the mechanism’s establishment, and the presence of both parties will be required to form a quorum.
MONUSCO will coordinate logistical activities, while each party retains the right to invite one of the Observers to participate in MCVE+ verification missions. All suspected ceasefire violations must be reported within 72 hours.
The agreement specifies that the Mechanism will remain active until it completes its mandate, or as otherwise expressly agreed by the parties.
This development marks a key step toward consolidating the fragile peace process between Kinshasa and the M23-led AFC coalition, following years of intermittent fighting in eastern Congo.
The joint monitoring framework aims to build confidence, prevent future hostilities, and pave the way for broader political and security stabilization in the region.
