An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) as “an important step toward sustainable peace”.
In a statement last weekend, MONUSCO said that the deal in Doha under the aegis of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritise a return to peace, prolong the ceasefire, and a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.
“This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO.
“We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good faith implementation.”
Those commitments include facilitating the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
In late last year and early 2025, M23 rebels had intensified their offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu.
Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more displaced, and serious human rights violations committed, said MONUSCO.
The final agreement between the DRC government and the rebel coalition comes less than a month after the signing of the peace agreement by Congo and Rwanda, who traded accusations of harbouring each other’s rebels.
MONUSCO reminded both parties that the deal emphasis civilian protection and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
MONUSCO urged all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.
WN/as/APA