Wayne Lumbasi
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed to create an international monitoring body to oversee the implementation of a potential ceasefire, marking a cautious step toward ending years of deadly conflict in the country’s east.
The agreement, reached after days of talks mediated by regional and international partners, aims to build trust between the warring sides and ensure compliance with ceasefire commitments.
The new body will reportedly include representatives from the African Union, the East African Community, and the United Nations, alongside delegates from both the Congolese government and M23.
Officials say the mechanism will be tasked with verifying troop movements, monitoring violations, and facilitating dialogue on the reintegration of rebel forces. It is expected to operate within North Kivu province, where fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
In a joint statement, both parties expressed optimism that the initiative could “pave the way for lasting peace and stability.” However, observers remain cautious, noting that previous ceasefire efforts have repeatedly collapsed amid deep mistrust and ongoing clashes.
The M23 rebellion, which resurfaced in late 2021 after nearly a decade of dormancy, accuses the Congolese government of neglecting earlier peace accords. Kinshasa, in turn, accuses the rebels of receiving backing from neighboring Rwanda an allegation Kigali denies.
Regional leaders have welcomed the development as a vital opportunity to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue. If successful, the ceasefire oversight body could mark a turning point in one of Africa’s most protracted and complex conflicts.
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