Ceasefire agreed between DR Congo and M23 rebels

A ceasefire agreement has been reached between the government of DR Congo and the M23 rebel group after successful talks were held in Qatar.

According to France 24, the announcement states that the two sides have “agreed to work towards the conclusion of a truce”.

The conflict has divided DR Congo since M23 launched their latest rebellion in 2021, since when they have made significant advances across the east of the country.

M23 seized two key cities in the South Kivu region in February, forcing Congolese government-backed troops to retreat and therefore surrender the city to the rebels.

The rebel group has been accused of being aggressive to the civilian population of the country, with many people reportedly attempting to flee the country by crossing into neighbouring Burundi.

The ceasefire agreement is therefore a welcome step forward however optimism should be muted somewhat by the fact that this is the sixth ceasefire or truce to be reached between the two sides since the conflict began.

The United Nations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and are keen to explore atrocities committed on both sides in a conflict that has led to the displacement of over 7 million people and which is considered as one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

However the latest statement was announced on national TV and released by an M23 spokesman, claimed that: “Both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities.”

The United Nations along with many western countries believe that Rwanda is actively supporting the M23 rebels.

It is estimated that around 4,000 Rwandan troops have been deployed in DR Congo however Rwanda has consistently denied having any involvement in the conflict.

Uganda has also been accused of supporting M23 and analysts have warned that there is a very real possibility of the Congolese conflict spreading into a regional war.

France 24, Maghrebi