AFC/M23 delegates return to Doha for renewed peace talks

The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has confirmed that its delegates have returned to the ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar. The announcement was made on December 11, 2025, by the coalition’s deputy spokesperson, Dr. Oscar Balinda, shortly after AFC/M23 forces captured the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province. “The invitation has arrived, and our representatives have now departed,” Dr. Balinda said. “We are continuing work on the remaining six foundational principles with firm determination to ensure that each one is implemented so that w

The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has confirmed that its delegates have returned to the ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar. The announcement was made on December 11, 2025, by the coalition’s deputy spokesperson, Dr. Oscar Balinda, shortly after AFC/M23 forces captured the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province. “The invitation has arrived, and our representatives have now departed,” Dr. Balinda said. “We are continuing work on the remaining six foundational principles with firm determination to ensure that each one is implemented so that we can achieve lasting peace in Congo and the region.” The AFC/M23 delegation arrived in Doha on the morning of December 12. They are expected to meet with representatives of the DRC government in negotiations facilitated by Qatar. On November 15, AFC/M23 and the DRC government signed eight foundational principles. These include supporting humanitarian efforts, restoring state authority across the country, establishing interim security arrangements, repatriating refugees, revitalizing the economy, and creating a commission for truth, reconciliation, and justice. A permanent ceasefire, its monitoring, and the exchange of prisoners had been agreed upon earlier but remain unimplemented. Dr. Balinda said renewed trust could be built if the DRC government begins respecting the ceasefire and releases some of the 700 prisoners the coalition wants freed. This, he added, would help create confidence that the remaining principles can produce meaningful progress. In a press briefing on December 10, AFC/M23’s deputy leader for political affairs, diplomacy, and governance, Bertrand Bisimwa, said the delegation would present evidence in Doha showing how the DRC government has continued to violate the ceasefire agreements.