A ceasefire joint verification mechanism has been agreed between the DRC and AFC/M23 after 5 days of Intense back to back negotiations.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) has welcomed this significant progress in the peace process between the DRC  government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).

“The ICGLR recognizes this memorandum of understanding as a key step towards formal collaboration. This partnership aims to integrate the Doha Framework Agreement’s ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism with the ICGLR’s Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism. The EBVM Plus mission is essential for monitoring and reporting on the permanent ceasefire in eastern DRC, investigating alleged violations, and coordinating measures to prevent any escalation and violations,” the ICGLR statement reads in part.

The ICGLR expressed its gratitude to the Government of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Government of Switzerland, the African Union Commission, and MONUSCO for their continued commitment to peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

“This collaborative effort reflects a united determination to preserve peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. The ICGLR looks forward to continuing the progress of this ongoing peace process for the benefit of the people of the DRC and the entire region,” the Organization emphasizes in the statement.

The Switzerland, meeting from April 13 to 17, 2026, in Montreux, aimed to discuss the protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection, in accordance with the provisions of the Doha Framework Agreement for a comprehensive peace agreement between the DRC Government and the AFC/M23, signed in Doha on November 15, 2025.

In addition, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding implementing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJM+).

This tool builds upon the agreement signed in Doha on October 14, 2025, and the terms of reference adopted on February 2, 2026.