In a statement posted on X on Thursday, August 21, 2025, U.S. Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos said Washington was “encouraged by continued negotiations between the DRC and M23, facilitated by the State of Qatar.”
He described this week’s talks as a “critical step” following the signing of a Declaration of Principles last month, which laid out a roadmap for ending decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
Boulos reaffirmed the U.S. call for “an immediate end to violence against civilians” and stressed the importance of “concrete actions to uphold commitments to peace and stability.”
The comments come as both Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 announced this week that they would send delegations to Qatar.
The meetings are, among others, intended to evaluate progress on commitments made in the July 19 Declaration of Principles, including a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners.
AFC/M23 deputy coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa confirmed that his group’s technical team would focus on “the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners.”
The Congolese government also confirmed its participation, while emphasising that its negotiators would prioritise protecting national interests.
Despite the July agreement, mistrust between the two parties remains high. The sides had initially pledged to meet key commitments by July 29, paving the way for formal peace talks by August 8. Instead, accusations of ceasefire violations and disputes over detainees stalled progress.
The question of prisoners remains particularly contentious. AFC/M23 claims Kinshasa is holding around 700 members and supporters, while the government insists any releases can only follow the signing of a final peace deal. The impasse derailed efforts to conclude a broader agreement by August 18.
Qatar, which has been mediating since July, has acknowledged the setbacks but says it continues to work closely with both sides to encourage compromise.
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