A fragile peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is under severe threat as renewed fighting erupts, putting a historic ceasefire agreement brokered by the former US administration in jeopardy. The violence, concentrated in the volatile Ituri province, marks a dangerous escalation and risks plunging the mineral-rich region back into widespread conflict.
Ceasefire Collapses Amidst Fresh Clashes
Local officials and civil society groups reported intense combat over the weekend in the areas surrounding Bule and Djugu territory. The clashes primarily involve the Congolese army (FARDC) and the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) militia, an armed group that had ostensibly agreed to the peace deal. This resurgence of violence directly undermines the October 2020 ceasefire agreement, a significant diplomatic achievement mediated by then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The 2020 deal was hailed as a critical step toward stability in a region plagued by decades of conflict over land, ethnicity, and valuable natural resources like gold. Its collapse now opens the door to further humanitarian catastrophe and regional destabilization.
M23 Resurgence and Regional Tensions
Compounding the crisis is the continued offensive by the M23 rebel group in the neighbouring North Kivu province. The M23, which the DRC government and UN experts assert is backed by Rwanda—a claim Kigali denies—has captured significant territory. This twin threat from CODECO and M23 stretches Congolese military resources thin and creates a complex, multi-front conflict.
The situation has inflamed regional diplomacy. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has consistently accused Rwanda of aggression, while the United States and other international actors urge de-escalation. The failure of the US-brokered deal raises questions about the sustainability of external peace initiatives in the face of deep-seated local grievances and regional power plays.
Humanitarian Fallout and International Response
The immediate consequence of the fighting is a severe human cost. Thousands of civilians have been displaced anew, adding to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Civilian casualties are reported, and access for aid groups is increasingly restricted.
International response has been swift but faces immense challenges. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is present but often criticized and is in the process of a phased withdrawal. The African Union and regional blocs are calling for dialogue, but the renewed violence suggests that diplomatic efforts are failing to address the root causes of the conflict, which include:
- Control over lucrative mineral resources.
- Long-standing ethnic tensions, particularly between Hema and Lendu communities in Ituri.
- Weak state governance and security presence in eastern Congo.
- Involvement of neighbouring countries seeking influence.
The breakdown of this key peace deal brokered by the Trump administration serves as a stark reminder of the volatile and intractable nature of the conflict in eastern Congo. Without a renewed and inclusive political process that addresses core grievances, the cycle of violence threatens to continue, with devastating consequences for millions of Congolese civilians and the stability of Central Africa.
