By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims of atrocities in the eastern part of the country, despite a recent peace agreement with Rwanda.
In a speech marking the DRC’s 65th anniversary of independence from Belgian colonial rule, Tshisekedi highlighted the importance of the peace treaty signed on June 27 in Washington, DC, which he described as offering new hope for lasting peace in the long-troubled eastern region. He emphasized that while the agreement presents the possibility of peace, it remains fragile and requires collective efforts from the government, citizens, and international partners to ensure its success.
Tshisekedi also stressed that the pursuit of justice for victims of violence would not be compromised, stating, “We will continue to demand that justice be served for the victims and that those responsible for the atrocities be held accountable.” His government is focused on restoring the authority of the state across the nation and achieving durable peace throughout the region.
The president thanked the United States and Qatar for their roles in facilitating the peace process, which he said had fostered meaningful dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda.
However, some critics, including the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a coalition of rebel groups and political factions in eastern DRC, have voiced concerns about the scope of the peace deal. Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC, acknowledged the peace agreement as a “step forward” but argued that it addresses only a small part of the underlying causes of the conflict. He insisted that a broader, inclusive dialogue was necessary to address the legitimate demands of groups like the M23, which has been a major player in the violence.
On the other hand, DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, hailed the agreement as a diplomatic victory, calling it a triumph for the Congolese people. The deal, which was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, focuses on a cessation of hostilities between their respective military forces and includes provisions for halting support for militia groups.
Fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces in eastern DRC has caused significant displacement, with over 500,000 people fleeing their homes and more than 3,000 deaths reported by February. The M23, which is believed to be supported by Rwanda, controls important territory in the region, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, responded to the AFC’s concerns, stating that Rwanda has committed to supporting ongoing peace talks in Doha between the DRC government and rebel factions, including the M23. However, he noted that Rwanda would not engage directly with the M23 in these discussions.
Nangaa, speaking in support of the Doha talks, emphasized that military solutions would not resolve the crisis, and direct negotiations between the DRC government and Rwanda were essential to achieving lasting peace. Despite Tshisekedi’s long-standing refusal to negotiate directly with the M23, Nangaa criticized this stance, calling it a “betrayal of our future generations.”
While the peace deal holds promise, it is clear that many challenges remain in resolving the broader conflict that has plagued the DRC for years. The need for inclusive negotiations, accountability for past atrocities, and lasting solutions to the region’s instability will remain key priorities as the country moves forward.
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