The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishes a formal framework to reinforce respect for international humanitarian law in conflict-affected regions.

Announced on March 27, 2026, the deal follows sustained dialogue between the two parties. It aims to reduce harm to populations living under the AFC/M23 and, more broadly, among all parties to the conflict by integrating humanitarian norms into their military and administrative structures.

The agreement comes at a critical time for the DRC, where decades of armed clashes have left millions displaced and essential services in ruins. The new framework focuses on protecting not only the lives of civilians but also their infrastructure.

Under the terms of the MoU, Geneva Call will provide tailored training and guidance to various ranks within the AFC/M23. This process is designed to ensure that respect for humanitarian norms is embedded in the group's daily operations and decision-making processes.

Geneva Call Director General, Alain Délétroz, emphasized that the engagement is a practical step toward long-term safety.

“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our long-standing engagement in the DRC and our commitment to working with all parties to the conflict,” Délétroz stated. “It is a concrete step toward strengthening the protection of civilians by fostering dialogue and encouraging respect for humanitarian norms where it is most urgently needed.”

Beyond military conduct, the agreement is expected to improve the safety of humanitarian workers. By fostering a better understanding of international law, the pact aims to help create more dignified conditions for those delivering life-saving assistance to affected populations.

The Director General noted that the success of the document will be measured by its implementation on the ground.

“Our focus is on the communities affected by armed conflict. Every commitment to humanitarian norms is ultimately about protecting lives and dignity,” Délétroz stated.

“The value of the memorandum will be reflected in how its commitments are carried forward in practice. Through continued dialogue with all parties to the conflict, we seek to support efforts that enhance the protection of civilians, which remains a shared responsibility,” he added.

Geneva Call has operated in the DRC since 2014, maintaining a neutral and impartial stance. The organization works with a wide range of armed groups and de facto authorities to limit the effects of war on the civilian population.

For years, eastern DRC has been characterized by cycles of insecurity and abuse. Communities are frequently caught in the crossfire of armed clashes, leading to massive displacement and the disruption of basic survival needs.