Fatshimetry
A historic humanitarian truce in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was announced this Thursday, July 5, 2024, with the aim of putting an end to the violence tearing apart the east of the country. This truce, which will come into force at midnight local time and will last two weeks, is the result of an agreement between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels, with the support of Kinshasa and Kigali. This news was warmly welcomed by the international community, particularly the United States and Belgium.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed satisfaction with the decision, calling it “a crucial step to alleviate suffering and protect millions of lives.” She also reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to supporting mediation efforts with a view to lasting peace in the region.
The truce, which covers the areas most affected by civil hostilities, aims to allow the return of displaced people to their homes and to guarantee unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations. It represents a glimmer of hope for civilian populations suffering from clashes and forced displacement.
However, on the ground, the M23 rebels continue their advance in the North Kivu province, taking control of several localities. This worrying situation is illustrated by the list published by LUCHA, which identifies 87 villages and towns under the control of the rebels, supported by Rwanda. Faced with this escalation of violence, civil society is calling on Kinshasa to strengthen the capacities of the Congolese army and adopt a more effective strategy to counter the rebels.
This humanitarian truce offers a valuable opportunity to put an end to the conflict which has bloodied the east of the DRC for too long. The coming weeks will be crucial to ensure compliance with this agreement and pave the way for constructive negotiations towards lasting and inclusive peace in the region.