The DR Congo government and the M23 rebel group agreed to ease humanitarian aid deliveries, according to a joint statement on Sunday following talks in Switzerland.

Since 2021, the M23 rebel group has seized territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region affected by more than 30 years of conflict.

The two sides signed a US-brokered peace agreement in December but fighting has continued.

Talks mediated by Qatar were held in the Swiss riviera town of Montreux from April 13 to 17.

Prisoner exchange

"The DRC and AFC/M23 (the parties) agreed on the critical importance of ensuring life-saving humanitarian assistance for the people of eastern DRC," a statement issued by both sides, mediators, and other attendees, said.

"The parties agreed to comply with all of their obligations under international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international refugee law, as applicable.

"The parties agreed to refrain from any action that would undermine the principled delivery of humanitarian assistance within the territories impacted by the conflict."

The two sides "also agreed within 10 days to release prisoners... to continue building confidence."

DRC, M23 represented at talks

They signed a memorandum of understanding on ceasefire verification mechanisms "to begin conducting surveillance, monitoring, verification, and reporting on the implementation of the permanent ceasefire between the parties."

The Montreux talks brought together representatives from the DRC government and from the M23 rebel group.

They were joined by representatives from Qatar, the United States, Switzerland, the African Union commission, and Togo as the AU mediator.