Doha, February 2 (QNA) - The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo / March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) have signed the terms of reference stemming from the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. This occurred at the conclusion of the meeting of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism between the two parties, hosted by the State of Qatar today, as part of its efforts to resolve the conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The two parties also renewed their commitment to the ceasefire and the Doha Framework Agreement for Peace signed between them on November 15, 2025, and affirmed their determination to implement all obligations stipulated therein in good faith, in support of the peaceful process.

Members of the mechanism took part in the meeting, which was attended by the United States and the African Union as observers, the Republic of Togo in its capacity as the African Union-appointed mediator, as well as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

The meeting addressed the developments on the ground, including perspectives on the existing challenges. In this context, the members emphasized the necessity of implementing practical measures to enhance monitoring, verification, and information exchange in support of the peace process.

The members reviewed the plans of MONUSCO and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region for implementing the mechanism, along with reaffirming their commitment to supporting and facilitating their work to ensure the success of field missions. The members also tasked MONUSCO with dispatching the first field mission to the city of Uvira to monitor the ceasefire in the coming days, while the necessary field communication channels were established to facilitate the mission’s work in accordance with the mechanism.

Based on these discussions, members agreed on subsequent steps to enhance the effectiveness of the mechanism and ensure the continuation of regular meetings within its framework. (QNA)