A ceasefire agreement that began on February 18 has raised cautious hopes for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, although experts warn that success remains unlikely given the region’s complex web of armed groups and past broken truces. The Washington-brokered deal between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 militia, represents the latest attempt after failed mediation by Angola, Kenya, Togo, and Qatar. The United States has threatened sanctions against any party violating the ceasefire, with Trump adviser Massad Boulos emphasizing America’s economic interests in the mineral-rich region where five resource concessions have been promised to US companies. However, approximately 120 rebel groups operate in eastern Congo beyond M23, including the Islamic State-linked ADF and partially state-controlled Wazalendo militias, making comprehensive peace under a single agreement virtually impossible.
DW
