The conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reached a crucial point with the recent ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. This agreement is the result of the second ministerial meeting on the security and peace situation in the eastern DRC, which took place a week ago in Luanda, Angola. The talks were led by Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António, who has played a key role in mediating the conflict.
The ministerial meeting was attended by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie of the DRC, Théresé Wagner, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Olivier Nduhungirehe. Both officials met with the Angolan President, João Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace in Upper Town. This meeting was a follow-up to the first ministerial meeting held in Luanda on March 21 this year, where the need for a cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire was established.
During the talks, both sides agreed on several key points. The DRC government will present a plan and timetable for the neutralisation of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and in response, Rwanda will review its defence and security posture. This agreement is primarily aimed at stopping mutual support for rebel groups that have escalated the conflict: Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the March 23 Movement (M23), while Kigali maintains that the DRC is backing the FDLR.
The ceasefire, which came into effect at 00:00 on 4 August, will be monitored by a mechanism created specifically for this purpose. The United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (Monusco) has expressed its willingness to participate in this mechanism. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and acting head of Monusco, stressed that this step could favour a de-escalation of the conflict and allow for the safe and dignified return of displaced persons.
The international community has welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire. The European Union and other regional bodies have called for a swift and complete implementation of all agreed decisions. In addition, the UN has reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace, security and stability in the region. Congolese media have highlighted the support of MONUSCO and the readiness of the European bloc to provide assistance in accordance with the strategy for the Great Lakes Region.
It is worth recalling that since late 2021, North Kivu province has been the scene of clashes between the DRC armed forces and M23 rebels, creating a critical humanitarian situation. Recent reports by UN experts have confirmed the involvement of Rwandan military personnel in the conflict, as well as technological and intelligence cooperation between the parties. A humanitarian truce brokered by the United States has been in place since July 5, but both sides have accused each other of violating it.
The ceasefire agreed in Luanda represents a significant step towards the peaceful resolution of this protracted conflict, and is expected to contribute to stability and security in the region.