Congo and M23 Rebels Establish Oversight Body for Ceasefire

Congo and the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 have reached an agreement to form an oversight body aimed at monitoring a potential permanent ceasefire. This development marks a significant step toward a peace deal following recent stalled efforts to resolve decades of conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement was signed in Doha on July 18, 2023, with mediation facilitated by Qatar, as confirmed by Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya via the social media platform X.

Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for M23, also verified the signing and shared key documents outlining the terms of the agreement. Central to this arrangement is the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring body, which will include representatives from both Congo and M23, alongside participants from the 12-country International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

This newly formed body is expected to convene within seven days of its establishment, with logistical support from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO. The monitoring body will be responsible for investigating any alleged violations of the ceasefire, as detailed in the documents shared by both parties.

M23, which has garnered backing from neighboring Rwanda, is one of over 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals. The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 7 million people, prompting the United Nations to label it as “one of the most protracted, complex, serious humanitarian crises on Earth.”

Earlier this year, M23 escalated its activities by capturing two significant cities in eastern Congo. The conflict has persisted for years, with previous efforts to achieve peace often faltering. In July 2023, Congo and M23 had signed a declaration of principles in Qatar, committing to end hostilities and pursue a comprehensive peace agreement. This agreement included plans for restoring state authorities in key cities controlled by insurgents and facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Despite the optimism surrounding the July declaration, both sides failed to finalize a peace deal by the August 18 deadline, with each party accusing the other of violating terms. The establishment of this oversight body represents a renewed effort to stabilize the region and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting millions in Congo.