DR Congo and M23 Rebels Agree to Ceasefire in Qatar-Mediated Talks
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group issued a rare joint statement on Wednesday, agreeing to an immediate cessation of hostilities in the conflict-ridden eastern region while working toward a permanent truce.
The surprise announcement followed negotiations mediated by Qatar, marking a potential breakthrough in a conflict that has seen M23 seize key cities and displace thousands. Both sides pledged to halt fighting "throughout the duration of the talks and until their conclusion."
However, skepticism remains high. Since 2021, at least six ceasefires have collapsed, and UN experts, along with Western governments, accuse Rwanda of backing M23—an allegation Kigali denies. Last week, a US envoy publicly urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory.
Eastern DRC has endured nearly three decades of instability, with violence escalating in recent months as M23 advanced toward Goma and Bukavu. President Félix Tshisekedi has long refused direct talks with the group, accusing it of being a Rwandan proxy.
Kabila’s Alleged Return Sparks Political Tensions
Amid cautious optimism over the ceasefire, another development has stirred controversy: reports that former President Joseph Kabila was spotted in Goma, a city under M23 control.
The Congolese government responded by suspending Kabila’s political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), and imposing travel restrictions on his allies. Authorities also announced legal proceedings against Kabila and the seizure of his assets, framing his presence in rebel-held territory as an act of treason.
PPRD supporters dismissed the allegations, with party member Amani Kakimba stating, "No one has shown a photo or video proving Kabila’s presence in Goma." Analysts warn that the government’s aggressive response could backfire.
Kabila ruled the DRC for 18 years before stepping down in 2019. After a brief alliance with Tshisekedi, he went into self-imposed exile in 2023 following a fallout linked to regional political rivalries—including tensions with Corneille Nangaa, a former election official now leading a movement aligned with M23.
The DRC’s fragile political landscape remains volatile, with the latest ceasefire offering a glimmer of hope—but one overshadowed by deepening divisions.