The implementation of commitments under the Doha peace process between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Congo River Alliance has remained weak and uneven, according to the first report by the Africa Peace Agreements Monitor.
The Congo River Alliance is a political-military coalition that includes the M23 rebel movement and several armed groups operating in eastern Congo. Kinshasa accuses neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23, an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The report found only “modest” progress since negotiations began in July 2025, Radio France Internationale reported.
The most significant development came in August 2026, when Congolese authorities carried out their first release of prisoners linked to the coalition. However, only 15 of the 477 detainees identified during the negotiations were freed.
Implementation of the ceasefire verification mechanism stood at just 17%, while only two of eight planned protocols had been signed, the report said.
Persistent fighting, deep mistrust between the parties and waning diplomatic attention have continued to obstruct the peace process, raising doubts over whether the Doha talks can produce a lasting settlement in eastern Congo.
