DRC–M23 Ceasefire Verification Mechanism Launches Initial Surveillance Missions

Following the April 18 US State Department joint statement confirming operationalization of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism (COVM) begins initial verification missions in eastern DRC around April 21, within the agreed one-week window. The mechanism — involving Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, Togo, and the African Union — is designed to monitor compliance with the Doha Framework Agreement (signed November 15, 2025) and the Montreux process meetings of April 13–17, 2026. Parties also committed to complete prisoner releases within 10 days (by approximately April 28). Qatar, Switzerland, and the US serve as international guarantors of the COVM process. Despite the framework progress, fighting was reported to continue in highland areas of South Kivu, underlining the gap between ceasefire architecture and ground-level compliance. DRC government and AFC/M23 representatives had committed in the joint statement to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid deliveries.