Negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 face significant roadblocks as ceasefire violations persist.
As negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebel group continue in Doha, Qatar, uncertainty looms over the potential for a peace agreement. President Felix Tshisekedi has indicated that a deal might be reached this week; however, the rebels have raised concerns about ongoing ceasefire violations and the absence of a clear path forward for the talks.
The declaration of principles signed on July 19 in Doha emphasized the necessity of a permanent ceasefire, which both parties must respect. This ceasefire is seen as a critical foundation for confidence-building measures that could ultimately lead to a formal peace agreement. Despite this, observers have warned that the ongoing hostilities in eastern DR Congo could jeopardize the peace process mediated by Qatar.
During a recent visit to Egypt, Tshisekedi expressed the urgency of concluding the agreement before a scheduled meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. He stated that the leaders would express their support for peace and ratify the agreements made in Doha and Washington.
On October 14, Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 signed a ceasefire monitoring agreement, following the sixth round of peace talks in Doha. This agreement aimed to establish a joint team to monitor and verify the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, which was supposed to become operational within seven days. However, according to AFC/M23 spokesperson Oscar Balinda, little progress has been made, and hostilities continue unabated.
Balinda noted that the ceasefire monitoring team has not been established as expected and criticized the Congolese government for continuing military operations in eastern DR Congo. He stated, “The two parties did not meet for reasons that were not communicated by the mediator. Meanwhile, Kinshasa continues its war tactics in eastern DR Congo, carrying out renewed attacks and targeting our positions.”
Despite Tshisekedi’s announcements regarding the peace talks, Balinda emphasized that there has been no communication from the mediator about any upcoming meetings or peace deals. He reiterated that the AFC/M23 remains ready to engage in further talks, but the focus must first be on implementing the permanent ceasefire.
Balinda also highlighted the need for genuine discussions that address the root causes of the conflict in DR Congo. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress on the first protocol of the newly initiated mediation developments and stressed that the ceasefire team must be established for the peace process to move forward.
In light of the ongoing violence, Balinda warned that if attacks on civilians and AFC/M23 positions continue, it would undermine the Doha peace process. He pointed out that there have been repeated ceasefire violations reported to the mediator, yet no action has been taken to hold parties accountable.
Fatuma Ndangiza, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, emphasized the importance of commitment and consistency in the peace talks. She stated that signing agreements alone will not resolve the conflict and urged both parties to translate their commitments into action. Ndangiza acknowledged Qatar’s role as a reliable mediator but stressed that the responsibility lies with the Congolese leadership to ensure progress.
She further noted that while the Congolese technical team has shown a genuine will to end the crisis, President Tshisekedi must be held accountable for any delays in the negotiations. Ndangiza remarked that political will must start at the highest level, and Tshisekedi’s actions have often stalled the process at critical moments.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring lasting peace to the region. The complexities of the conflict, coupled with the ongoing violence, present significant challenges to the peace process.
Key Points
- Negotiations in Doha face significant roadblocks due to ongoing ceasefire violations.
- President Tshisekedi emphasizes urgency for a peace agreement before meeting with international leaders.
- AFC/M23 claims lack of progress on ceasefire monitoring team despite signed agreements.
- Observers warn that continued hostilities could jeopardize the peace process.
- Political will from Congolese leadership is crucial for successful negotiations.
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