DR Congo ceasefire ignites hope for discussions

(MENAFN) The recent unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has opened a potential path for renewed peace talks, according to Madaraka Nyerere, a member of the African Legacy Foundation. The ceasefire, announced by an alliance of rebel groups including M23, follows weeks of conflict with the national army and peacekeepers. Its primary goal is to facilitate humanitarian access, as confirmed by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC).

Nyerere sees this ceasefire as an opportunity for the warring parties to return to negotiations and work toward a lasting resolution. He also stressed the importance of including more regional leaders, such as Kenyan President William Ruto and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in peace talks, as broader participation could aid in finding a viable solution.

Addressing the root causes of instability, Nyerere pointed to the colonial-era divisions created by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, which he believes laid the foundation for ethnic tensions and conflict in the DRC. He criticized the UN for its lack of tangible action to support peace efforts and noted that existing frameworks like the Addis Ababa agreement have not received adequate backing from international powers.

Nyerere also highlighted the economic impact of regional insecurity, warning that projects like the Lobito Corridor, which connects the DRC to global markets, are at risk due to the ongoing violence. The DRC, especially its eastern region, has long been plagued by violence from numerous armed groups, with M23 militants seizing more territory than ever before. The UN has expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate into a broader regional war.

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