From May 26–27, 2026, Swiss envoys held two‑day talks with AFC/M23 representatives in Rubavu, Rwanda, to assess progress on the Doha agreements signed between Kinshasa and the rebel group.
Prior to Rubavu, U.S. and Swiss envoys met with DRC officials to review compliance with the Doha accords.
Agreements include commitments to prisoner releases and ceasefire, but reports suggest neither side is fully respecting them.
Swiss envoys had planned to continue to Goma, but Ebola concerns kept them in Gisenyi, prompting M23 delegates to cross the border for the meeting.
The Rubaya mining zone in Masisi territory was a central topic. Rubaya is highly valuable due to coltan and other minerals.
The U.S. signed a mining deal with Kinshasa in 2025, making Rubaya a sensitive issue. M23 has signaled readiness for direct talks with Washington over Rubaya’s management.
While talks unfolded in Rubavu, RDC forces launched drone and ground attacks on Rubaya, aiming to dislodge M23. Reports from the frontlines indicate M23 repelled the assaults, maintaining control of the area.
