Delegations from the DRC government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel movement signed a framework peace agreement in Doha, described by Qatar and the US as a comprehensive roadmap to halt fighting and ease a severe humanitarian crisis. The pact outlines eight implementation protocols; two — ceasefire monitoring and prisoner exchange — are already finalised, while the remaining protocols covering timelines, aid access, returns and reintegration will be completed in the coming weeks. An independent committee will oversee implementation and propose compensation measures within a national reconciliation framework. Observers caution the agreement is a first step and that violence and humanitarian needs persist on the ground.
DRC and Rwandan-backed M23 Sign Framework Peace Deal in Doha — Roadmap for Ceasefire, Aid and Reintegration
Delegations from the DRC government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel movement signed a framework peace agreement in Doha, described by Qatar and the US as a comprehensive roadmap to halt fighting and ease a severe humanitarian crisis. The pact outlines eight implementation protocols; two — ceasefire monitoring and prisoner exchange — are already finalised, while the remaining protocols covering timelines, aid access, returns and reintegration will be completed in the coming weeks. An independent committee will oversee implementation and propose compensation measures within a national reconciliation framework. Observers caution the agreement is a first step and that violence and humanitarian needs persist on the ground.
09:07 PM, 11/15/2025Conflict
Framework agreement aims to halt violence and ease humanitarian crisis
Delegations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel movement have signed a framework peace agreement in Doha after months of mediated talks. Qatar and the United States described the accord as a "comprehensive" roadmap meant to halt deadly clashes and address the country's worsening humanitarian situation.
Negotiators say the framework establishes eight implementation protocols to translate the agreement into actions on the ground. Two protocols have already been finalised: a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire and an arrangement for prisoner exchanges. The remaining protocols will be negotiated and completed in the coming weeks.
What the remaining protocols will cover
- Timelines and detailed procedures for implementing the ceasefire and other measures
- Humanitarian access and safe passage for aid to reach affected populations
- Safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons
- Restoration of state authority across contested areas
- Economic reforms to support recovery
- Reintegration of armed groups into state structures or civilian life
- Removal of foreign armed elements from Congolese territory
Both sides agreed to establish an independent committee tasked with overseeing implementation of the peace process and producing recommendations on compensation as part of a national reconciliation framework consistent with the DRC constitution, Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi said at a Doha press conference.
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi: "The framework strengthens the wider process to find peaceful solutions through dialogue and understanding and to restore calm across the DRC."
Massad Boulos, identified at the talks as a senior US envoy, thanked Qatar and other partners, including the African Union and Togo, for facilitating the negotiations. He described the framework as a "launching pad" toward a final peace settlement while stressing that implementation will be a gradual process rather than an instant fix.
Massad Boulos: "People were expecting immediate results on the ground, but this is a process; it is not a light switch you can turn on and off."
Reporting from Goma, Al Jazeera correspondent Alain Uakyani said the accord has raised public hope across the DRC, but cautioned that tangible improvements are not yet visible locally. Uakyani also noted that the M23 reported being bombarded by government forces on Saturday morning and claimed it advanced into additional positions despite the new framework.
Next steps: Negotiators will finalise the remaining six protocols over the coming weeks, define a detailed timeline, and activate the independent implementation committee. Success will depend on adherence by all parties, robust monitoring, and secure humanitarian access to affected communities.