The conference, scheduled for October 30, 2025, will take place in the French capital, Paris. It has been organized by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in close collaboration with the Republic of Togo, which currently represents the African Union (AU) in matters concerning the region.

A statement released by France did not disclose the level or names of participants expected to attend the meeting, but it stated that the conference would serve as a platform to encourage international organizations to play an active role in seeking sustainable solutions to Congo’s crises.

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The discussions will also focus on how to support ongoing efforts by various countries and international organizations including the United States, Qatar, and the AU engaged in mediation and dialogue between the conflicting parties in the DRC.

France further noted that economic cooperation among the countries of the Great Lakes Region would also be a key topic, emphasizing that regional trade and development could serve as the foundation for resolving security challenges.

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This comes at a time when eastern Congo continues to be ravaged by fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army, a conflict that has undermined peace and security for years.

On October 14, 2025, the Tshisekedi government and the AFC/M23 signed a ceasefire agreement in Doha, establishing a joint monitoring mechanism to oversee the implementation of the truce in North and South Kivu provinces.

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The talks were mediated by Qatar, which has long played a role as an intermediary between the warring sides. In addition, in July 2025, Rwanda and the DRC signed another agreement in Washington with the support of the United States aimed at restoring peace and reducing political and military tensions between the two countries.

Political analysts describe the Paris conference as another significant step in the difficult journey toward restoring stability in the Great Lakes Region, which continues to face conflicts rooted in security, political, and economic issues.

They also urge that such dialogues be given due importance, while emphasizing that the real progress lies in honoring the agreements reached and prioritizing the interests of the people living in the region.