M23 Offensive Persists as DRC and Rwanda Nudge Toward Peace Deal
Sources from North Kivu report that M23 combatants seized control of Lunyasenge, a settlement located on the western shoreline of Lake Edouard within Luberon territory.
Uvira in South Kivu, Kalemie in Greater Katanga, and Kisangani in Tshopo are all targets of the rebels.
This clearly violates a truce established in mid-April in Doha, Qatar, between representatives from the AFC/M23 and the Congolese government. According to sources, the conflict is unfolding between the M23 and Wazalendo, a rebel faction aligned with the Congolese military.
Wazalendo consists of agricultural communities located in Kivu.
Nicaise Kibel Bel, a regional security specialist, stated, "Following the conquest of their territory by the M23, people took refuge in the forest and began conducting attacks from there. This explains why combat activities did not cease." The Congo national army asserts that it retains the option to respond forcefully across all sectors should the rebellion continue posing a menace.
Colonel Mak Hazukay, the army spokesperson for the Far North region, criticized what he called "a clear breach of the ceasefire and all the steps being implemented to monitor the ongoing talks in Doha, Qatar, and Washington, D.C., in the United States."
AFC/M23 chief Corneille Nangaa stated that their final objective is to arrive at Kinshasa before implementing the ceasefire. "The term 'ceasefire' came from Kinshasa and will end there," he declared. "The Congolese populace does not wish to entertain terms such as 'ceasefire,' not out of desire for conflict, but due to their opposition to President Tshisekedi remaining in office." In related news, the United States expressed approval over the submission of an initial peace accord by both factions involved, adhering to principles outlined in the U.S.-backed Declaration of Principles agreed upon during talks held in Washington.
Read: Congo and Rwanda present draft peace plan, according to Trump advisor "I am pleased with the draft peace proposal submitted by the DRC and Rwanda," stated Massad Boulos, Senior African Advisor for the U.S. State Department. "This represents a significant move toward fulfilling the pledges outlined in the Declaration of Principles, and I anticipate their ongoing dedication to achieving peace." The administration of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi characterized this as a crucial stride toward discussing progress. "The objective we aim for is peace," emphasized government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe voiced his optimism that "things will proceed smoothly, resulting in a peace accord that facilitates enduring tranquility in the area."
The Washington peace initiative follows a specific schedule. According to Mr. Nduhungirehe, the foreign ministers from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo will convene during the third week of May to finalize the draft accord.
He mentioned that in mid-June, "a peace accord signing ceremony will take place at the White House involving President Donald Trump, along with Presidents Paul Kagame and Félix Tshisekedi. Additionally, attending will be leaders from countries involved in mediating the process: the Emir of Qatar; the President of Togo; the President of Kenya as part of the EAC; and the President of Zimbabwe on behalf of the SADC." Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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