The African Union (AU) Commission welcomed the signing of terms of reference for a ceasefire mechanism between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23.

The AU said in a statement on Thursday that the agreement marks an important step toward reducing fighting in the country’s troubled east.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 group signed the agreement on February 2 in Doha on the terms of reference for monitoring their ceasefire following talks in Doha, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said at the time.

Qatar added that the discussions took place within the framework of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism.

Commitment to ceasefire

"The two parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed between them on November 15, 2025, and affirmed their determination to implement all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process," the ministry stated.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf noted the deal represents a “significant confidence-building measure” and a positive development toward de-escalating hostilities and restoring peace and security in eastern DRC.

The AU-led mediation process was headed by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, who was the African Union’s designated lead mediator for eastern DRC. Qatar and the US were also commended for supporting the peace efforts.

The talks were also attended by representatives of the US and the African Union (AU) as observers, with Togo participating in its capacity as the AU-appointed mediator.

Monitoring and verification

Peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or MONUSCO, and officials from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region also took part, providing technical expertise on ceasefire monitoring and verification.

The AU commission stressed that establishing a clear and mutually agreed ceasefire mechanism is essential to ensure compliance, build trust between the parties and protect civilians, urging both sides to fully implement the agreed terms.

Eastern Congo has faced years of armed conflict involving government forces and multiple rebel groups, including the M23.