AU Welcomes Ceasefire Agreement Between DRC Government and M23 Rebels

The African Union welcomed the signing of terms of reference for a ceasefire mechanism between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group. Signed in Doha on February 2, the agreement reinforces the November 2025 Doha Framework for Peace and includes monitoring and verification measures supported by MONUSCO and regional experts. AU and international mediators emphasized the deal as a confidence-building step to reduce hostilities, protect civilians, and restore stability in eastern Congo.

The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed its approval of the recent signing of terms of reference for a ceasefire mechanism between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, describing the development as an important step toward reducing hostilities in the country’s long-troubled eastern region. The agreement, which outlines the framework for monitoring and verifying compliance with the ceasefire, was signed on February 2 in Doha, Qatar, following a series of discussions conducted under the framework of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, according to the Qatari Foreign Ministry. The ministry noted that these discussions were aimed at strengthening the peace process and ensuring that both parties adhere to their commitments under the established agreements.
According to the ministry, both the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the M23 group reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace, originally signed on November 15, 2025. Both parties pledged to implement all obligations stipulated under the agreement in good faith, emphasizing their shared determination to support the broader process of peace and stability in the region. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the signing as a “significant confidence-building measure” and highlighted its potential to contribute to the de-escalation of violence and the restoration of peace and security in eastern Congo, a region that has experienced prolonged conflict involving multiple armed groups.
The mediation process was led by Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, the President of Togo and the African Union’s designated lead mediator for eastern DRC. The process received support from Qatar and the United States, which were acknowledged for their role in facilitating the peace talks. The discussions were attended by representatives from the United States and the African Union as observers, while Togo participated in its official capacity as the AU-appointed mediator, providing guidance and support for a transparent negotiation process.
Technical expertise was provided by peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and officials from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. These teams assisted with monitoring and verification procedures to ensure that the ceasefire agreement could be implemented effectively, creating mechanisms to track compliance and address violations. The AU stressed that establishing a clearly defined and mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism is essential not only for enforcing adherence but also for building trust between the government and the M23 group, and for safeguarding civilians caught in conflict-affected areas.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by decades of armed conflict involving government forces and multiple rebel groups, including M23. The region has suffered significant humanitarian challenges, including displacement of civilians, insecurity, and destruction of infrastructure. The AU emphasized that the successful implementation of this ceasefire mechanism could pave the way for more comprehensive peace efforts, reduce civilian casualties, and restore a sense of stability to communities that have long been affected by violence. Both parties were urged to fully honor the terms of the agreement to maintain momentum toward lasting peace and to support broader initiatives for security, reconciliation, and development in eastern Congo.