• Qatar, US, AU to monitor  truce implementation body
  
• M23 controls parts of Kivu despite ongoing tensions

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) signed an agreement in Doha on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, to set up a joint body to monitor and verify a ceasefire.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the body will oversee the implementation of a permanent truce, investigate reported violations, and maintain communication between the parties to prevent renewed fighting. The initiative forms part of the Doha Declaration of Principles signed on July 19, 2025.

“The State of Qatar, the United States of America, and the African Union will participate in this mechanism as observers, enhancing transparency and supporting regional and international efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the peace process in the Great Lakes region,” the statement said.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka called the deal “a significant step forward,” adding that “if Kinshasa keeps its commitments, this process will create the calm and stability needed to address the root causes of the conflict and protect civilians.”

The Congolese government said it remains committed to ending hostilities, ensuring civilian safety, and laying the groundwork for a lasting peace deal under the Doha process backed by the international community.

The AFC/M23 controls parts of North and South Kivu provinces near Goma and Bukavu. Despite ongoing fighting and tensions linked to mineral resource exploitation, which weigh on the economy, the International Monetary Fund keeps a broadly positive outlook for the DRC, forecasting 5% growth this year driven by a strong mining sector, moderate inflation, and rising foreign-exchange reserves.

Ingrid Haffiny