### to an agreement between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23: a fragile balance
The ongoing negotiations between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 armed group in Doha are at the crossroads. While recent information reports a trip by former President Joseph Kabila to Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United States intensifies their efforts to promote a de-escalation of the situation. This entanglement of geopolitical, historical and humanitarian factors makes the situation complex but also crucial for the future of the region.
#### A loaded historical context
The DRC faces a multitude of challenges for decades, exacerbated by recurring armed conflicts and foreign interference, in particular that of Rwanda. AFC/M23, which positions itself as a major armed actor in the east of the country, insists that its case must be treated independently of the dispute between Kinshasa and Kigali. This claim raises an important question: to what extent can internal conflicts be dissociated from regional dynamics?
Kinshasa, for its part, considers AFC/M23 as an instrument of Kigali, a perception which mixes the internal issues of the DRC with external influences. This positioning feeds tensions and makes any initiative for dialogue more precarious.
### Delicate negotiation
The talks in Doha, although marked by moments of stagnation when direct exchanges have ceased, have also seen signs of progress. The preparation of a common document, the fruit of reciprocal concessions, is an undeniable advance. However, fundamental questions remain: will it simply be an internal report or a real ceasefire agreement? The nature of the final text could well determine the rest of the events.
The inclusion of a formula engaging the two camps to invite other armed groups to participate in a framework of cessation of hostilities could take on a new meaning. But this call for inclusiveness must be carefully marked by practical and concrete measures of trust. These are often perceived as the cornerstone of a sustainable peace process, yet their implementation on the ground is an arduous task, both for the Congolese government and for armed factions.
### Trusted measures: a key issue
The question of “measures of trust” is central to this fragile dialogue. How to establish the credibility of the commitments made by each of the parties? Safety guarantees, humanitarian access and support for populations affected by conflict are aspects that require special attention. The risk of errors of interpretation and bad faith remains omnipresent in this type of negotiations.
A Western diplomat involved in discussions described the situation as “a process always fragile, but still active”. This observation, imbued with both hope and prudence, underlines the need for continual vigilance. The implications of these discussions do not only go beyond the political sphere, but also affect millions of human lives, often forgotten in the maze of geopolitical strategies.
#### Conclusion: A call for collective responsibility
While the efforts continue in Doha, it is imperative that all the parties involved adopt a constructive approach, not only to achieve an agreement, but also for the application of solutions which generate lasting peace. This pivotal moment calls for a collective awareness of the responsibility shared by the Congolese government, AFC/M23 and the international community.
The future of the DRC cannot be conceived without taking into account the fundamental rights of the affected populations. The fragility of current situations should encourage dialogue, mutual understanding and the search for inclusive solutions. The road is still long, but each step is done can open the way to a less conflicting future.