Ceasefire Reached in African State Amid Conflict

A mediator reveals that warring parties in an African state have reached a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict.

Following discussions that included Rwanda, Angola has declared a ceasefire between conflicting factions in the DR Congo.

According to a statement by the Angolan government on Tuesday, neighboring Angola mediated talks that reportedly resulted in an agreed ceasefire between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Rwanda. The agreement is expected to come into effect at midnight on August 4.

Since 2022, there has been ongoing warfare in the eastern region of DR Congo. This conflict is being fueled by factions from M23 insurgent group who are suspected to have received assistance from Rwandan military forces; however, Rwanda refutes these allegations.

Angolan Foreign Minister, Tete Antonio led the ceasefire discussions in which Rwandan and Congolese counterparts – Olivier Nduhungirehe and Therese Kayikwamba took part. To ensure compliance, an ad-hoc reinforced verification mechanism will monitor the truce.

Earlier this year, during a ministerial session, delegates from three nations highlighted the significance of attaining lasting peace in eastern DR Congo to promote economic growth and enhance the social condition across neighboring states. As per current reports, a ceasefire agreement has been reached.

There is no information available concerning the length of the ceasefire.

UN estimates indicate that the conflict in North Kivu province of DR Congo has led to displacement of more than 1.7 million people, resulting in a total count of displaced individuals due to multiple conflicts reaching up to 7.2 million within the country.

In an announcement made on July 8th, authorities from Congo declared that the UN stabilization mission (MONUSCO) would cease its intended withdrawal and had not determined a timeframe for resuming their pullback. The first portion of MONUSCO’s retreat was carried out in June.

Last December, a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) stated that more than 12,000 troops would be withdrawn from DR Congo over the course of this year in three phases.

Since 1999, the UN stabilization mission has been operating in DR Congo with a primary emphasis on safeguarding civilians from armed groups while also aiding government efforts to stabilize conditions in the eastern region.