A flicker of hope emerged Sunday in the war-torn east of the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Congolese military commanded its forces to observe a ceasefire.
It aims to foster de-escalation and prioritize the delicate path of peace negotiations.
The announcement followed the Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel coalition including the notorious M23, declaring its intent to withdraw from the captured mining hub of Walikale.
Congolese army’s statement urged local self-defense forces to join this cessation of hostilities, echoing the recent ceasefire appeal made by Presidents Tshisekedi of Congo and Kagame of Rwanda during Qatari-mediated discussions in Doha.
The concerted effort seeks to breathe life into stalled peace processes in Luanda and Nairobi.
However, a note of caution underscored the announcement: the military firmly retains the prerogative to act against any aggression that could shatter this fragile truce, endanger civilians, or compromise Congo’s borders.
The M23’s relentless offensive since December has dramatically worsened the humanitarian crisis, triggering a massive exodus with over 100,000 Congolese fleeing to neighboring countries in a mere three months.
Kinshasa and others have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23, a charge Kigali vehemently denies.
The ceasefire offers a crucial, albeit precarious, window to silence the guns and pursue a lasting resolution to the enduring conflict that has ravaged eastern Congo.