DRC-AFC/M23 Doha peace process shows slow progress

The Doha peace process between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 group is experiencing slow and uneven implementation. According to reports from the Peace Agreements Barometer, the execution level for the period of July 2025 to August 2026 is estimated at approximately 18.6%.

While a Declaration of Principles was signed on July 19, 2025, aimed at a permanent ceasefire, progress remains limited. Key challenges include persistent mistrust between parties and ongoing hostilities on the ground. Notable developments include the release of some prisoners by Kinshasa in August 2026, though only 15 of 477 identified detainees have been processed by the ICRC.

Furthermore, the ceasefire verification mechanism has seen a realization rate of just over 17%, with some field missions in North Kivu failing to take place. Of the eight protocols established in the framework agreement, only two have been signed to date.