M23 rebels in downtown Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 16, 2025. JANVIER BARHAHIGA/AP
The Democratic Republic of the Congo government and the M23 group agreed to ease humanitarian aid deliveries and release prisoners within 10 days, according to a joint statement on Sunday, April 19, following talks in Switzerland.
Since 2021, the M23, backed by Rwanda, has seized territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region ravaged by more than 30 years of conflict. The two sides signed a US-brokered peace agreement in December, but fighting has continued. Talks mediated by Qatar were held in the Swiss town of Montreux from April 13 to 17.
"The DRC and AFC/M23 (the parties) agreed on the critical importance of ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of eastern DRC," said a statement issued by both sides, mediators and other attendees. "The parties agreed to facilitate rapid, unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access."
The two sides "agreed to comply with all of their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law, as applicable. "The parties agreed to refrain from any action that would undermine the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance within the territories impacted by the conflict." They said that ensuring protection of civilians "remains paramount during the conduct of hostilities."
