Warring parties in eastern DR Congo agree to extend the shaky ceasefire. Discover the implications and hopes for lasting peace.
On Wednesday, the United States disclosed that it would be prolonging a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern Congo. Despite ongoing violence and human rights violations in the area, many are appealing for an end to the conflict so displaced individuals can safely return home.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the most recent ceasefire plan aimed at concluding an ongoing dispute that was originally intended to terminate on Friday has been lengthened by 15 days until August 3. The declaration urged all parties involved “to adhere to the truce,” which had already been broken since it came into effect on July 5th.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya from the Human Rights Watch addressed a briefing about the ongoing situation in Congo on Wednesday. In addition to arbitrary killings and arrests, she noted that sexual abuses have also been prevalent, with women and children being primarily affected by this violence concentrated in eastern North Kivu province.
According to Nantulya, violence against women and girls is not restricted to war zones; it persists when they venture outside camps in search of basic necessities like food or water.
For decades, the conflict in eastern Congo has caused a severe humanitarian crisis globally. The region is abundant with minerals and over 100 armed groups are battling for power near Rwanda’s border. Unfortunately, the M23 group – said to be supported by Rwanda – plays an essential role in this dispute.
The rebels are alleged to have committed mass killings in the conflict that has extended beyond the front lines into nearby villages, alongside other factions. This unrest has forced over 7 million people from their homes, with many being too remote for aid groups to properly assist them. Additionally, organizations providing assistance have expressed frustration due inadequate resources even where they do operate.
Artillery fire and drone strikes have also become obstacles for individuals escaping violence in the past few months.
