Fragile peace in Eastern DRC as M23 reacts cautiously to Kinshasa-Kigali acccord
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Fragile calm persists in eastern DRC as M23 rebels question state-level peace accord.
Tensions Persist in Eastern DRC Despite Kinshasa-Kigali Peace Accord
M23 Rebels Reject Relevance of State-Level Agreement
Hopes for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain faint as the M23 rebel group dismisses the June 27 peace accord signed in Washington between Kinshasa and Kigali. The agreement, which aims to uphold DRC’s territorial integrity and halt violence between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, has been viewed by M23 as disconnected from realities on the ground. According to Benjamin Mbonimpa, Executive Secretary of AFC/M23, the group was not consulted and considers the deal irrelevant. “These are matters of state-level agreements… We don’t even know what was agreed in that accord,” Mbonimpa stated.
Clashes Continue Despite Diplomatic Overtures
While Kinshasa and Kigali publicly endorse peace, fighting continues across the provinces of North and South Kivu. Wazalendo militias, which have aligned with the Congolese army, are engaged in near-daily clashes with M23 forces. These confrontations, far from being quelled, seem to intensify whenever political talks gain traction. The sustained violence has created further skepticism among local communities and observers who doubt the efficacy of peace declarations not backed by inclusive action on the ground.
Peace Talks in Doha Hit Roadblocks
Since April, peace talks hosted in Doha have attempted to mediate between the Congolese government and M23 leaders. However, the discussions have largely stalled, with both sides accusing each other of stalling meaningful dialogue. Still, the M23 insists it remains committed to negotiations. “AFC/M23 is engaged in peace talks. We believe in Doha, we believe in peace,” Mbonimpa said. “We never wanted war; it was imposed on us.” The group claims it is preparing a fresh delegation to reignite the stalled talks.
Civilians in Goma Left in Limbo
In the city of Goma, which has been under M23 control since late January, the civilian population expresses growing fatigue with the drawn-out conflict. Residents report that while peace is often discussed in international circles, its effects remain invisible on the ground. “We’ve heard of the talks in Doha, but nothing has changed,” said Kasereka Amani, a local resident. “They’ve never told us if M23 will leave.” Others like Justin Buwili echo similar sentiments, stating, “All we want is peace. But every time peace is discussed, fighting gets worse.”
M23 Accuses Government of Undermining Progress
Even as Congolese officials state that peaceful negotiation remains their priority, M23 leaders accuse Kinshasa of avoiding genuine dialogue. The rebels allege that the government’s alignment with militias and lack of transparency in the peace process undermines any efforts toward reconciliation. They continue to call for neutral mediation and demand international pressure to ensure fair negotiations. Without trust-building steps, many analysts fear the situation could spiral into prolonged conflict with even more dire humanitarian consequences.
Uncertain Future as Peace Hangs in the Balance
While the signing of the Kinshasa-Kigali accord was welcomed by some diplomatic actors, its limited effect on ground realities casts doubt on its long-term significance. Without the participation and acknowledgment of non-state actors like M23, and without concrete efforts to de-escalate tensions in North and South Kivu, the possibility of lasting peace in eastern DRC remains uncertain. The region stands at a crossroads, waiting for action that matches diplomatic words.
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