Peace agreement stirs fear in the Congo

A Catholic Diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo said the Congolese people are sharply divided in reaction to the “declaration of principles” recently signed in Qatar by the government and a rebel alliance.

On July 19, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and representatives of Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement signed the declaration, which follows the peace agreement signed between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda on June 27.  

The Director of the Justice and Peace Commission for the Diocese of Goma in the east of the country told The Tablet that the government is hailing the agreement as a major diplomatic victory paving the way for peace, but communities living under M23 control or in the conflict-ridden east feel profound confusion and anxiety.

Gilbert Dhego told The Tablet that these communities are uncertain if the agreement will address their needs or is merely a government ploy. All the while, they fear that violations by either side could spark a catastrophic new cycle of violence.

The deal commits DR Congo and M23 to restoring state authority “on all national territories” as part of an eventual peace agreement and includes a ceasefire.

Dhego reports these commitments are not being reflected on the ground. “On the front lines, the two parties are gradually reinforcing their troops and accusing each other of provocations,” he told The Tablet in an exclusive interview.

He warned that the peace efforts could be undermined by continuing insecurity, including clashes in the northeastern Ituri province between fighters from the political-military movement CRP (Convention pour la Révolution Populaire) and the DRC army.

The CRP, formed nearly a year ago in Uganda by former rebel Thomas Lubanga, poses a significant risk: “This could have a negative impact on the process underway in Qatar and the United States,” Dhego stated.

He outlined several measures necessary to ensure a lasting peace. These include improving treatment of military and police personnel and a thorough restructuring of the security services to address internal weaknesses and corruption.

Dhego also called for a strengthening of social protection policies, the involvement of communities in resource management through inclusive development, and addressing population vulnerability.

He urged the tackling of the conflict’s economic core – the mineral resources of the DRC. Dhego described the management of these resources as opaque, fuelling tensions, rivalries, and external interference.

He called for the fair distribution of resource dividends through transparent, inclusive mechanisms, saying this was crucial to reduce frustration, promote regional economic integration, and restore local confidence.

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