A ceasefire monitoring unit will begin operations on Tuesday to oversee a truce between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, who have made territorial gains in eastern DRC. Despite a previous ceasefire agreement, violence has escalated, leading to significant humanitarian concerns as thousands flee the conflict. Angola will lead the monitoring force, which includes Congolese and Rwandan officers, amid accusations of territorial expansion by the M23.
On Tuesday, a new unit established to oversee a ceasefire between the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group officially commences operations, as announced by ceasefire mediators from Angola. Since gaining momentum in 2021, the M23 militia has captured significant territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has displaced thousands of residents. Although a ceasefire signed in August had led to temporary stabilization, the situation deteriorated towards the end of October when M23 made advances in North Kivu province, targeting the crucial loyalist town of Pinga. Recently, the rebel group engaged in skirmishes in Lubero territory and successfully captured Kamandi Gite near Lake Edward, a border area with Uganda. Congolese officials have accused both Rwanda and M23 of exploiting the ceasefire to expand their territorial control prior to the monitoring mechanism’s activation. Angola, designated as the main overseer of the truce, will preside over a joint monitoring force composed of both Congolese and Rwandan officers. Although calm has returned to Pinga following clashes between the DRC army and M23 fighters, the town is currently inundated with displaced individuals fleeing the violence. Theophile Mukandirwa, the director of the local hospital, expressed grave concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, stating, “The hospital has no medicine, the toilets are in a bad state and access to water is a problem. We fear the appearance of serious illnesses… that will be difficult for us to treat.” As one of the mineral-rich regions beset by both internal strife and cross-border conflict, eastern DRC has endured decades of violence, complicating efforts for stability and peace.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a battleground for various armed groups, most notably the M23 rebel militia, which emerged in 2021. This region has been marred by conflict and humanitarian crises, exacerbated by ethnic tensions and the involvement of neighboring countries like Rwanda. The instability has led to significant displacement among the local population and severe humanitarian needs as rebel factions vie for control over valuable mineral resources, leading to continuous violence and suffering for civilians.
The launch of the truce monitoring unit represents a critical step towards restoring peace in eastern DRC, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate due to ongoing conflict with the M23 militia. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for the involved parties to adhere to the ceasefire and for the monitoring mechanism to effectively oversee compliance, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected populations. Without decisive actions toward lasting peace, the region is likely to experience further instability and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.enca.com
