The two sides of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have undertaken to disarm and disengage their alleged proxies.
But there are dozens of non-state armed groups active in the region and it is not clear if all adhere to the ceasefire.
A few hours before the signing of the agreement, one of them, Codeco’s militia, attacked a camp of displaced people in the province of Ituri, killing 10 people.
Keeping these non -state actors online will be a major challenge. Part of the peace agreement is to create conditions to allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict to return home.
This will not be possible without a complete cessation of hostilities.
Due to the vast mineral resources in eastern DRC, modern technology, including electric batteries and mobile phone batteries, economic incentives for rebel groups are incredibly tempting, and this agreement does not mention alternatives that can convince these groups to stop fighting for a precious territory. Integrating them into a subressource Congolese armed force is unlikely to prove enough deterrence.
It is still not clear for preferential access, if necessary, the United States has been offered to the DRC minerals.
President Donald Trump clearly said it is one of his main incentives to agree to support the peace process. But granting unhindered access to the United States to the mineral wealth of the country is unpopular to many members of the DRC, upset by the fact that the country’s resources have failed to provide a better life to its citizens.
Dr. Congo and Rwanda sign a long -awaited peace affair
As for key questions to know if the Rwandan forces will withdraw from the East DRC, the American position is that once the FDLR led by Hutu, which, according to Rwanda, is supported by the DRC and aims to overthrow the Rwandan government, is demonstrated, then Rwanda will also resume its “defensive measure”.
This seems to be an oblique reference to the presence of Rwandan armed forces in the eastern DRC.
If the United States is able to convince Rwandans to do it seriously, it would be a big victory for Washington and Kinshasa.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied that its troops were on the ground in the DRC de l’Est, despite credible reports that they have actively supported groups like M23 in the region.
