After the recent conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the Washington Peace Accord signed between both countries, and the transitional agreements signed with the US and Qatar. The agreement was signed with the hopes of bringing peace and resolving conflicts to Eastern Congo and initiating a mutually beneficial working relationship with the DRC, both countries have already breached the terms of the peace accord with the US and Qatar and have entered into new conflict with each other.
Concerns over Rwanda’s actions
Within a day of the signing ceremony, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, who had to rush back to the capital of Kinshasa to address the Congolese Parliament, expressed concerns that Rwanda was not following the terms of the peace accord signed with the DRC, referencing the aggressive military activities of the M23 fighters whom Congo claims are backed by the military regime of Rwanda, which are unfolding across Eastern DRC, and such actions cast doubt to the validity of the peace accord.
Reports indicate that M23 elements have crossed the border and are entering the village of Luvungi. Because of the release of video footage capturing a meeting of M23 elements, some in the locality are voicing concerns over the extent of their presence in the area. Rwanda denies supporting M23 and has also not responded to Tshisekedi’s comments.
The situation remains tense
The situation in eastern Congo remains delicate, and several communities have reported their anxiety to the government as the military, local defense units, and M23 elements remain in fluid positions. Additional military activities in the town of Sange have reported violence committed against civilians over the past few days, as the peace agreement is further compromised by these local security activities.
Although most information is not yet public, the event in Sange highlighted the need to strengthen coordination between security entities and the need for communication to avoid the gaps in communication that can lead to misunderstandings. Both the Congolese army and M23 refused to comment on the accounts of the actions in the area, citing that the situation is sensitive.
Washington’s response to the violations
The Washington agreement, which was re-endorsed last week, is simply a reiteration of what the U.S. promised to do in June and has not done. U.S. officials continue to condition the success of the agreement on the U.S. doing something.
Eastern Congo has always been torn apart by the battle for resources, cross-border clashes, and the presence of armed factions. The Washington accord was beginning to be appreciated by many, and many saw it, in the future, to be the beginning of easing pressure by providing cooperation, security, and normalisation of relations in the future.
A critical moment for the peace process
This week is the first week to watch for the Washington Accord, and it is about to tell the story for the world of how the Washington Accord will begin to unfold. For the world and the peace of the Washington Accord to work, Kigali and Congo will have to remove the first few obstacles in their path.
Tension levels are still high, and it will be very easy for people to place blame without looking at the conditions. The point is, to improve the situation and use the agreement to move forward, the promise both sides will be looking for is full openness, calm, and determination.
Currently, the peace accord is at a turning point and could either be a moment that redefines relations between the two neighbours, or a moment that represents yet another lost chance in a region that is looking for peace and a stable situation.
