The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has announced that a new round of dialogue with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will soon take place in Switzerland, raising cautious hopes for renewed diplomatic engagement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 9, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the group’s delegation was “en route to Switzerland to take part in a new round of dialogue, in a spirit of responsibility and commitment to a peaceful solution”. He, however, did not provide further details. The DRC Government is yet to respond to the announcement.
Diplomatic sources indicate that a series of meetings between both parties is scheduled for next week in Switzerland, as part of ongoing efforts to revive negotiations. The talks are expected to continue under the framework of the Doha process.
Since March 2025, Qatar has facilitated multiple rounds of discussions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. However, the process has recently stalled. In March, DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner told diplomats that the Doha peace process was in a state of “paralysis”, citing shifting geopolitical dynamics and worsening regional security conditions.
Despite the diplomatic overtures, tensions remain elevated on the ground. Clashes have continued in recent days across North Kivu and South Kivu, with both sides trading accusations of breaching ceasefire agreements.