DR Congo and M23 rebels agree roadmap for peace talks - BBC News

Representatives met in Switzerland to work out next steps to resolve the conflict.

Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, M23 rebels seen in Goma in March after an air strike on the territory

The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group have agreed a roadmap for peace talks.

In a joint statement after five days of talks in Switzerland, they said they had pledged to "pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution" and set up a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire.

The roadmap sets out a timeline for talks under a US-brokered peace framework which they signed in 2025 - only for fighting to then continue in eastern DR Congo, which has been engulfed in conflict for decades.

But disagreements remain over issues including sanctions against M23, the release of detainees and the timing of political reforms.