DR Congo and M23 rebels set out timetable for peace negotiations

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23-led rebel coalition have finalized a roadmap that sets out sequential steps and timelines for peace negotiations, according to a joint statement. The schedule follows a framework agreement signed in Doha in November and was shaped during five days of talks in Switzerland, which also saw participation from the United States, Qatar, Togo, Switzerland and the African Union Commission.

The two sides agreed to a uniform method for logging cease-fire violations and to create a body that will handle problems in applying the Doha pact. A verification mission to monitor the cease-fire is expected in Minembwe, South Kivu, on Monday. Earlier this month, the DRC transferred 15 prisoners to the Congo River Alliance and M23 with Red Cross assistance as part of the peace process. Despite these steps, fighting remains active; an M23 spokesperson claimed government forces launched kamikaze drone attacks on populated areas in Minembwe, causing civilian injuries and damage, a claim that could not be independently verified.