DRC and M23 Agree Roadmap for Doha Peace Talks, Set Aug 24 EJVM+ Verification Mission

Representatives of the DRC government and AFC/M23, with the US, Qatar, Togo (as AU mediator), the AU Commission and host Switzerland, met in Geneva Aug 17-21 and issued a joint statement establishing a roadmap of sequenced steps and timelines for negotiations under the Nov 2025 Doha Framework. The parties agreed to a standardized method for reporting ceasefire violations and welcomed progress operationalizing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), including its Secretariat and an Aug 20 reconnaissance mission with MONUSCO logistical support ahead of the first EJVM+ ceasefire verification mission, scheduled for Aug 24 in Minembwe.