A mission to observe implementation of a ceasefire between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebels began on Monday in eastern Congo, the first field deployment under a monitoring mechanism established by a Qatari-mediated peace deal signed last year. 

The deployment of the mission is the latest sign of incremental progress under the Qatar-mediated talks, which began last year after AFC/M23 staged a lightning offensive in eastern Congo, seizing the region's two largest cities.

The two sides signed a peace deal in November 2025 that established a framework for a comprehensive peace agreement and the implementation of ceasefire monitoring arrangements.

The mission is taking place in the town of Minembwe, South Kivu province, which has seen a surge in fighting in recent weeks between AFC/M23 rebels and government forces, with each side accusing the other of ceasefire violations.

AFC/M23 accused government forces on Monday of shelling a village near Minembwe, causing civilian casualties and displacing residents. A spokesperson for Congo's armed forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Congolese government and AFC/M23 representatives met in Switzerland last week and agreed on a new roadmap for negotiations, pointing to renewed momentum in the Doha peace process after months of stalled talks.

The Doha process is running parallel to US-mediated talks between Congo and Rwanda that Washington hopes will fuel Western investments in eastern Congo's minerals sector.

Earlier this month, Congolese authorities released 15 prisoners and handed them over to AFC/M23 rebels, in the first known transfer of prisoners under the deal.

The rebels control large swathes of eastern Congo after staging their offensive last year.