Shifty Congo and M23 rebels ceasefire process sees another deal signed to end decades-long conflict
In July, Congo and M23 signed a signed a declaration of principles in Qatar to end the conflict and commit to a comprehensive peace agreement. They agreed to finalise the deal by August 18 but missed the deadline, blaming each other for breaches of the agreement.
UN accused of abetting forced transfers of refugees from M23-held areas in Congo to Rwanda
UNHCR’s role in the deportations has raised major concerns, as the agency’s mandate allows it to repatriate refugees only when they fully consent to return to their countries of origin. At the transit centre in Goma, UNHCR staff sought to determine nationalities, but people were not informed that they had a choice about leaving, according to the five affected people.
DRC peace lie: What attracts Washington, Doha and other powers is strategic minerals, not tears of displaced families
The Washington deal committed DRC’s army to neutralise the FDLR – which is referenced far more in the deal than the M23 – and Rwanda to end what the text terms “defensive measures”, a euphemism Kigali uses for its deployments.
Eastern Congo still a theatre of scenes from hell as M23 rebels loot and kill hapless residents despite US-brokered ceasefire
Led mostly by Congolese Tutsis, the M23 launched an insurgency in late 2021, citing a broken peace deal and discrimination against Tutsi communities in the east. Since then, however, it has expanded with a political wing that includes national figures who want power across the country.
Former Congo President Kabila resurfaces at political meeting in Kenya despite absentia death sentence
Joseph Kabila was filmed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, at a ceremony attended by a dozen other Congolese leaders who oppose President Felix Tshisekedi.
Swapping devils: Hallmark of life after M23 takeover in eastern Congo is forced labour and fears of by arrest rebels
Residents say local community leaders and institutions have been put to the service of the M23, who are imposing their own taxation system and compelling people to provide labour for military services.
Prosecutor in former Congo president case wants death penalty critics view as aimed at settling of scores than quest for truth
In court on Friday, General Lucien René Likulia representing the prosecution also asked, in addition to the death penalty, for a 20-year-sentence for Kabila’s alleged apologetic behaviour for war crimes and 15 years for conspiracy. The general did not elaborate on those charges or say what they refer to.
