The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a series of measures aimed at protecting civilians and improving humanitarian access in conflict-affected regions.

The agreement was reached after five days of negotiations held in Switzerland, with mediation support from international partners including the United States, Qatar, Switzerland, and the African Union.

In a joint statement, both sides committed to refraining from actions that could hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid. They also pledged not to target civilians and to ensure access to medical care for the wounded and sick in areas impacted by ongoing violence.

As part of confidence-building measures, the parties agreed to release prisoners within 10 days. They also signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, which will oversee compliance through surveillance, verification, and reporting.

The eastern region of the DRC has faced decades of instability, with armed groups competing for control of territory. Since 2021, the M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have captured key areas, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Despite a previous peace agreement brokered in December, clashes have continued, particularly in South Kivu, where civilians remain at risk. Human Rights Watch recently accused both sides of restricting aid deliveries and preventing civilians from fleeing conflict zones.

Officials say the latest agreement offers a renewed opportunity to reduce violence and improve conditions for affected communities. However, observers remain cautious, noting that past agreements have struggled to hold.

The situation on the ground remains fragile, with millions of civilians relying on humanitarian assistance as efforts continue to secure a lasting peace.