Why does peace seem so elusive to eastern DRC? | Explained

The story so far: Over the past eight weeks, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen two major developments. On June 27, Rwanda and the DRC signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington, DC. On July 19, the Congolese government and M23 rebel group signed a ceasefire deal in Doha, mediated by Qatar. However, days after the U.S.-led peace agreement and Doha ceasefire, M23 resumed its offensive, undermining the peace objectives.

What happened in the U.S. and Doha?

Washington brought the DRC and Rwanda to sign a peace agreement, committing to a cessation of hostilities, respect for territorial integrity, and an end to support for armed groups, including the M23. Both signatories agreed to establish a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism (JSCM) within 30 days to oversee conflict settlement and an Economic Integration Framework within 90 days to promote licit mineral trade and economic cooperation. The accord also calls for disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of armed groups into the Congolese forces. For the DRC, the U.S. entry meant an end to illicit mineral trade; security assistance; and U.S. investment. Rwanda has been accused by the UN and other Western countries of supporting the M23 rebels. The international pressure left Rwanda with no option but to sign the agreement.

Doha mediated directly between the DRC and the non-state armed group, M23. The DRC and M23 rebels signed a Declaration of Principles, agreeing to an immediate ceasefire and commitment to reach a comprehensive peace agreement by August 18. The M23 promised to withdraw from the regions it seized, and the DRC agreed to release M23 prisoners.

What are the interests of the U.S.?

For the U.S, the deal would give them access to the DRC’s $24 trillion worth of critical mineral reserves. The country possesses 70% of global cobalt reserves, making it the world’s largest producer. The region is also popular for its coltan, copper, diamond, gold and tin reserves. Further, U.S. entry into the region would mean an end to Chinese companies’ monopoly in the DRC’s mineral sector.

Did the peace agreement last?

The Doha ceasefire did not hold for long. M23 continued its offensives in North and South Kivu provinces. The Human Rights Watch reported that the group killed more than 140 people in July. The ceasefire was violated when M23 and DRC failed to adhere to the terms of the agreement. M23 has not withdrawn from the regions it seized, nor has the DRC released M23 prisoners.

What does it mean for the conflict?

The U.S.’s direct involvement and Qatar’s mediation with armed groups have brought hope and opened a gateway toward trust and a lasting peace in eastern DRC. Although the ceasefire was violated, Qatar resumed re-negotiating with the warring sides on August 26. However, DRC’s record of previously failed ceasefires and peace efforts signal that commitment and compliance from all actors can never be guaranteed.

Unlike previous peace initiatives, the U.S.-led peace agreement served the security, political and economic interests of the warring parties. The signing of the agreement conveyed an impression of a return to peace in the region, which is far from happening. The conflict in eastern DRC is rooted in unresolved history stemming from the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the subsequent Congo wars, and the tensions between more than a hundred ethnic armed groups, persisting over decades. Although the peace agreement successfully brought Rwanda and DRC to the bargaining table, the root causes of the conflict remain unaddressed. Therefore, for the agreement to succeed, it requires a comprehensive peace process and continued efforts.

The author is a Project Associate at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.