DR Congo offers frontline freeze in step towards truce

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has agreed "in principle" to a ceasefire that includes a "strict and immediate" freeze of military positions in the eastern region of the country. This decision follows mediation efforts by Angola, which urged both the Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group to observe a ceasefire starting from Sat, Feb 18, 2023.

The eastern region of DRC, known for its rich resources, has experienced persistent violence from numerous armed groups over the past 30 years. Recent mediation efforts by Angola resulted in a ceasefire proposal, which is still pending approval by the involved parties. The M23 militia has yet to formally respond to this proposal.

In a related development, the United Nations has announced plans to deploy peacekeepers to the eastern DRC to support the enforcement of any established ceasefire. The region has been a focal point of conflict since the resurgence of the M23 group in 2021. Several ceasefires have been attempted and subsequently breached since then.

Violence intensified when M23 forces captured the North Kivu provincial capital, Goma, in January of the previous year, followed by the fall of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Efforts to resolve the crisis through peace negotiations have been ongoing, with significant involvement from Qatar and the United States, resulting in the signing of two separate agreements.

Qatar has mediated discussions between the Congolese government and the M23, leading to a commitment to a ceasefire signed in July. Additionally, a peace agreement was formalized between the DRC and Rwanda in December in Washington under U.S. brokerage. However, these agreements have not yet succeeded in halting the violence.

The DRC government has outlined a framework for implementing the ceasefire, emphasizing the "strict and immediate freezing of positions," cessation of military reinforcements, and prohibition of any external support to armed groups operating within the country's borders.

The acting head of the UN mission in the DRC recently arrived at Goma airport, which had been closed since its capture by the M23. The UN is preparing to deploy an air reconnaissance mission in Uvira, a city on the Burundian border that was previously seized by the M23 before their withdrawal under U.S. pressure. The UN mission, MONUSCO, maintains approximately 7,000 peacekeepers in the eastern DRC, with the nearest base located in Goma.

The African Union is currently leading the peace talks, with Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbe appointed as the mediator. Angolan President Joao Lourenco is also involved in the negotiations. A previous mediation attempt led by Angola in late 2024 failed before a planned summit in Luanda, which was intended to bring together the presidents of the DRC and Rwanda.

Based on reporting by Africanews.