Montreux: The Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), along with representatives from the State of Qatar, the United States, the Republic of Togo (acting as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, gathered in Montreux, Switzerland, from April 13 to April 17. This meeting aimed to advance discussions on the protocol concerning Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection as part of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, initially signed on November 15, 2025.
According to Qatar News Agency, the negotiations witnessed the DRC government and AFC/M23 emphasizing the importance of life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people in eastern DRC. Both parties made notable progress toward finalizing the protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection. The discussions underscored the necessity for adherence to international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee laws, as well as the principles enshrined in the DRC constitution.
The parties involved agreed to avoid any actions that could hinder the survival of civilian populations, committing to protect essential resources and infrastructure. They further recognized the scope of humanitarian assistance, which encompasses food, nutrition, healthcare, water, sanitation, and the protection of civilians, particularly women and children.
Commitments were made to ensure the safety of humanitarian actors and their operations, and to prevent the diversion of humanitarian aid. The parties also agreed to facilitate unhindered access and movement for humanitarian personnel and resources, ensuring aid reaches those in need without discrimination.
An additional memorandum of understanding was signed with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), operationalizing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). This move supports the oversight and verification of the permanent ceasefire between the parties. The parties and ICGLR are prepared to initiate verification missions with support from the UN Organization Mission for the Stabilization of the DRC (MONUSCO).
In a related development, the parties agreed to release prisoners within ten days, aligning with the Mechanism for the Liberation of Detainees established in September 2025, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) providing necessary lists.
The participating entities reaffirmed their commitment to furthering the peace process by building on the progress made regarding Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, and by expediting negotiations on remaining protocols. Expressions of gratitude were extended to the State of Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, the Republic of Togo, and the African Union Commission, along with the United Nations and MONUSCO, for their unwavering support in promoting peace and stability in the eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region.