Peace negotiations between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, previously held in Doha, Qatar, could soon be moved to Switzerland.
The Doha talks began early last year, with Qatar facilitating efforts to help both sides reach a ceasefire and address the root causes of their conflict.
However, renewed fighting in early December 2025 in the Ruzizi Plain, particularly in Uvira territory, disrupted the process. The Congolese government withdrew from the talks following military setbacks against AFC/M23 forces.
There had been expectations that negotiations would resume after AFC/M23 agreed to a request from the United States to withdraw from the city of Uvira. However, this did not materialize, especially after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28, 2026, which affected regional dynamics.
According to the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University, the ongoing Middle East crisis has had a direct impact on countries like Qatar, making it difficult to continue hosting the talks. As a result, Switzerland is being considered as an alternative venue.
Reports indicate that the United States has proposed April 14, 2026, as a possible date to resume negotiations in Switzerland, although it remains unclear whether both the Congolese government and AFC/M23 have agreed to participate.
Despite efforts by mediators to revive the peace process, AFC/M23 has accused the Congolese government of violating the ceasefire agreement reached in Doha. The group claims this demonstrates a lack of commitment from Kinshasa to end the conflict.
Among the accusations are continued military offensives targeting civilian-populated areas, particularly in Minembwe, which connects the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga in South Kivu province, as well as attacks on AFC/M23 positions.
The potential relocation of talks is seen as an effort to revive stalled negotiations and restore momentum toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict in eastern DRC.
