A delegation from the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has arrived in Doha, Qatar, after several days of delay, marking an important step toward resuming peace discussions with the AFC/M23 coalition.
The AFC/M23 delegation, led by the group’s Deputy Chairperson for Political Affairs, Governance and Diplomacy, Bertrand Bisimwa, has been in Doha since last week, awaiting the start of negotiations facilitated by the Government of Qatar.
On November 11, 2025, Bisimwa confirmed that he and his team were still waiting for the DRC government’s representatives so that both sides could continue the peace process as previously agreed.
With the DRC delegation now on the ground, expectations are rising that the two parties may soon sign a set of principles that will guide the next steps toward a broader peace agreement.
However, the French international broadcaster RFI reported that the two sides remain divided over the DRC government’s demand that AFC/M23 withdraw from territories it currently controls in the eastern part of the country.
AFC/M23 has repeatedly stated that it will not relinquish control of these areas, arguing that it is the only actor capable of guaranteeing security there allowing residents to continue their livelihoods without major disruptions.
Meanwhile, the DRC government has maintained in various press briefings that national law grants it full authority over all territory within the country, insisting that AFC/M23 must leave the regions under its control, whether the group agrees or not.
Despite ongoing hostilities in eastern DRC, both sides have already reached consensus on several points, including a ceasefire and the establishment of a joint mechanism to monitor its implementation.
They have also agreed to release detainees, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) designated to oversee the process. However, actual implementation of this commitment appears to be progressing slowly.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner clarified that the government may not release all detainees, especially those accused of serious crimes.
She added that President Félix Tshisekedi remains firm that no agreement with AFC/M23 should undermine efforts to combat a long-standing culture of impunity in the country.
