The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the anti-government group M23 agreed on 14 October in Doha on a mechanism to monitor the ceasefire. The DRC reaffirmed its commitment to ending hostilities, ensuring the safety of civilians and laying the foundations for a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement within the framework of the internationally supported Doha process.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) signed an agreement on Tuesday in Doha to establish a mechanism for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire, facilitated by Qatar. This signing, which comes one month after the creation of a mechanism for the exchange and release of prisoners, marks ‘an important step’ in the implementation of the Declaration of Principles signed by Kinshasa and the M23 in July, according to a statement from the DRC government.
This ceasefire agreement is a tiny step toward resolving the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. M23 because as long as Rwanda does not comply with UN Security Council Resolution 27/73 calling on it to withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and as long as the Congo does not have the means to apply Article 51 of the Charter, which authorizes self-defense, peace will remain a pipe dream in this region, especially given the enormous interests at stake.
KERWIN MAYIZO, Political Analyst
According to a statement issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this mechanism will oversee the implementation of the permanent ceasefire, investigate and verify reported violations, and communicate with the parties concerned to prevent the resumption of hostilities. The establishment of this mechanism represents ‘a crucial step towards building confidence and reaching a comprehensive peace agreement between the two parties to the conflict,’ the statement added.
The solution would be for Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue sincere diplomatic dialogue and for the M23 to negotiate with the Congolese government and all forces. Other Congolese political forces, as recommended by CENCO, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, and the Church of Christ in Congo, should engage in a kind of internal dialogue that will resolve both the regional problem with Rwanda and the internal political problems that exist with all other Congolese in the dialogue between the Congolese political class, the Congolese government, and the M23.
KERWIN MAYIZO, Political Analyst
Reappearing at the end of 2021, M23 rebels took control of vast territories in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu, the respective provincial capitals. According to the United Nations, more than 27.8 million people in the DRC face food insecurity and more than seven million have been displaced, often repeatedly.
