Peace talks bringing together representatives of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 coalition in Switzerland began on April 13, 2026, in a tense atmosphere. The discussions were attended by representatives of the mediator, Qatar, the United States, and the MONUSCO.
AFC/M23 Delegation and Composition
AFC/M23 sent a delegation of six representatives led by its Permanent Secretary, Benjamin Mbonimpa. They were accompanied by six experts, including former senior officials who served under both the administrations of Joseph Kabila and Félix Tshisekedi.
Among these experts were Claude Ibalanky Ekolomba, who previously served as a special ambassador of the DRC and coordinator of the national mechanism monitoring the implementation of the Addis Ababa Peace Agreement, and Franck Mwe Di Malila, a former Minister of Tourism and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Disputes Over Delegation and Negotiation Agenda
It had been expected that AFC/M23 would be represented only by its usual six political delegates. Officials from the DRC government were surprised to find former colleagues among the delegation representing the coalition.
Sources in Switzerland report that allowing AFC/M23’s expert members to participate in the talks was initially contentious, as the DRC government opposed their inclusion, but they were eventually accepted.
Before the formal negotiations began, participants reviewed the reasons why two agreements signed last year had not been implemented. These included a ceasefire agreement with a monitoring mechanism and an agreement on the release of detainees.
Humanitarian Focus and Strategic Infrastructure
This review was followed by discussions focused on facilitating and supporting humanitarian operations for victims of the conflict in eastern DRC, including reopening key infrastructure such as Goma International Airport.
In February 2026, MONUSCO’s Deputy Special Representative for Operations, Vivian van de Perre, visited the city of Goma and conveyed to AFC/M23 a request to reopen the airport.
The airport is considered a critical hub for delivering international humanitarian aid to various parts of eastern DRC. In October 2025, Emmanuel Macron called for it to accommodate humanitarian flights twice a week.
Ongoing Violence During Negotiations
While the talks were ongoing in Switzerland, on the evening of April 13, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced that, earlier that day, DRC government forces had launched attacks targeting civilians.
Kanyuka stated that government troops shelled areas including Chambombo, Matare, Gishihe, and Mwamiwijwi in Kalehe territory at around 6:00 a.m., and later carried out drone strikes in Bidegu and Kalingi in Minembwe commune.
AFC/M23 further reported that, in the evening, a government CH-4 drone struck civilian areas in Shingisha and Kinumbi in Ruhinzi groupement, Masisi territory, as well as in Gakenke and Kalingi in Minembwe.
The coalition emphasized that despite the DRC government’s participation in the talks, the continued military operations suggest an attempt to undermine the negotiations. It warned that if such actions persist, it reserves the right to defend civilians and ensure their protection.
