EU welcomes ceasefire in eastern DRC and calls for its “swift and full” implementation

BRUSSELS, Jul 31 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union on Wednesday welcomed the agreement reached between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Angola for a ceasefire in the conflict in eastern Congolese territory, the scene of fierce fighting with the rebel group M23, backed by Kigali.

“We call for the swift and full implementation of all decisions taken at the trilateral meeting and urge all parties to the conflict to rigorously respect this ceasefire,” the EU External Action Service said in a statement.

In this regard, the European bloc notes the “tireless work” of the Angolan presidency, which has acted as mediator for the African Union in the peace process in Congolese territory. It also values ​​the commitment of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to ensure that the negotiations come to a successful conclusion.

Congolese, Rwandan and Angolan diplomats have reached an agreement in Luanda to push for a ceasefire starting Sunday in eastern Congolese territory. The M23 is a rebel group made up largely of Congolese Tutsis and operates mainly in the province.

Following a conflict between 2012 and 2013, Kinshasa and the group signed a peace agreement in December. In these clashes, the Congolese army was supported by United Nations troops. The M23 launched another offensive in October 2022, which intensified from November, triggering a diplomatic crisis between the DRC and Rwanda over their role in the conflict.