Talks on measures to build confidence between M23 rebels and the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of formal peace talks are taking longer than expected, an official with knowledge of the issue said Thursday.

The delay raises question marks over whether the launch of formal peace talks on ending the deadly conflict in the eastern DRC will go ahead as planned in Doha on Friday.

Under a deal reached in Qatar last month, the two sides had agreed to thrash out a package of measures, including a prisoner exchange mechanism, ahead of Friday's planned launch.

"Both sides are still working with support from Qatar to implement the terms outlined in the Declaration of Principles," the official told AFP, referring to the July 23 deal.

"This includes ongoing negotiations to establish a mechanism.

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