On Saturday, 15 November 2025, a significant step was taken towards peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In Doha, Qatar, the Congolese government and the M23 rebels signed a framework agreement intended to pave the way for lasting peace. After years of violence causing thousands of deaths and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in the attempt to end the conflict.
On Saturday, 15 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar, the Congolese government and the M23 rebels signed a framework agreement aimed to pave the way for lasting peace.The framework outlines eight key protocols, with the parties having already reached common ground on two key areas: a mechanism to monitor de-escalation efforts and an arrangement for the exchange of detainees. According to Qatari authorities, the next phases will address humanitarian access, troop disengagement, the return of displaced people, and national reconciliation.
The peace agreement signed in Doha between the Congolese government and the AFCM 23 is an interim agreement because, in principle, a final agreement was expected, which should have been finalized before the signing of the agreement in Washington last June between the Congolese and Rwandan governments. However, instead, we got a framework agreement, which will lead to the signing of several subsequent protocols.Kerwin Mayizo, Political Analyst
The framework agreement rests on eight key protocols, two of which have already been agreed upon: the establishment of a mechanism to monitor de-escalation efforts and a prisoner exchange mechanism. Discussions must now focus on humanitarian access, military disengagement, the return of displaced populations, and national reconciliation. This process builds on diplomatic progress made since July, notably the Declaration of Principles for a Permanent Ceasefire and the creation, in October, of a ceasefire verification body. International partners (the African Union, the United States, and Qatari mediation) maintain their support.
This is a first step that shows the conflicting parties can talk to each other, that they can make progress, but it’s not enough yet. It’s just… a major step that will lead to further steps, which will continue in Africa.
Kerwin Mayizo, Political Analyst
Although not a final settlement, this negotiating framework is a significant step towards reducing hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The M23 continues to control vast areas of North and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu. This has displaced over 7 million people and worsened access to essential services for the 27.8 million people facing food insecurity in the region. The upcoming negotiations will be crucial in translating this diplomatic momentum into tangible progress on the ground.
