Eastern DRC ceasefire teeters

The fragile 72-hour ceasefire, orchestrated by the US and backed by both the DR Congo and Rwanda in eastern DRC, seems on the brink of collapsing within just 24 hours of its initiation.

Initiated at noon yesterday, the ceasefire is aimed at facilitating the withdrawal of rebels from the Mushaki locality and the RP1030 road between Kilorirwe and Kitchanga in North Kivu.

Despite expressions of support from both the DRC and Rwanda for the US-brokered truce, designed to instil confidence, protect civilians, and ease tensions in the troubled region, recent developments suggest a perilous unravelling.

Both nations also committed to restarting the Nairobi and Luanda processes. These initiatives aim to address both current and historical factors perpetuating the enduring crisis in the region.

Despite not being part of the negotiations, the M23 group released a statement yesterday expressing approval of the ceasefire, aligning it with their accord from March 7, 2023.

Contrary to these peace efforts, media reports from eastern DRC indicate that the Congolese army and allied militias are mobilising towards Kibumba, poised to attack M23 positions.

Images posted by KIVU News 24 reveal soldiers and armoured carriers on the move advancing toward the M23 frontline.

President Felix Tshisekedi's recent expulsion of the East African Community Regional Force, deployed to stabilize the region in mid-2023, has further complicated matters.

Blaming them for the M23 resurgence and subsequent territorial gains in North Kivu, Tshisekedi has sought intervention from SADC forces, anticipating their arrival to counter the M23 threat.

However, the eastern DRC crisis remains fundamentally political, and unless root causes and grievances are addressed, a military solution alone is unlikely to resolve the conflict anytime soon.

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