The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda decided this Wednesday, July 6 on an immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC.
The Angolan President João Lourenço announced the decision at the end of the tripartite summit aimed to settle the armed conflict in eastern DRC. The situation has forced the displacement of thousands of people in North Kivu plagued by armed conflicts.
Within the framework of the mini-tripartite summit, which took place in the Angolan capital under the mediation of President João Lourenço, the parties also agreed on the immediate withdrawal of the positions occupied by the M23 in the Eastern DRC.
"I am happy to announce that we have made progress and agreed on a ceasefire," announced the Angolan Head of State after the meeting. João Lourenço said that the parties have also decided to create an "ad-hoc" observation mechanism that an Angolan general officer will head.
He added that the said mechanism will be in force simultaneously with another existing at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region level. In addition, continued the Angolan President, it was agreed to hold a meeting of the joint commission DRC and Rwanda next Tuesday.
The current escalation of tension is due to the resurgence of the M23 group (March 23 Movement). This armed militia opposed the Congolese government in 2012 and generated a violent conflict in this region.
In March, the DRC accused the Rwandan government of sending special forces soldiers into Congolese territory - what Kigali has always denied.
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