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Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 Rebels Agree on Peace Roadmap to Resolve Eastern Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the M23 rebel group have reached an agreement on a roadmap for peace talks to resolve the protracted conflict in eastern DRC. Following negotiations in Switzerland, the parties pledged to pursue comprehensive peace and established a mechanism to monitor ceasefire violations. This roadmap builds on a US-brokered framework signed in Doha in 2025, though fighting continues in the region. Disagreements persist regarding sanctions against M23, the release of detainees, and the timing of political reforms. The conflict is heavily influenced by tensions between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of backing M23. While Rwanda denies this, President Paul Kagame stated that the DRC has failed to dismantle the FDLR armed group, which Kigali considers a security threat. A ceasefire verification mission is scheduled to arrive in Minembwe to track progress. The success of the roadmap will be measured by whether ordinary Congolese people become safer and the restoration of state authority over the mineral-rich eastern provinces.

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