Efforts to end the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have gained fresh momentum with a new peace agreement due for signature on June 27. But early reactions suggest that familiar fault lines remain.
The proposed agreement, spearheaded by the United States with Qatar and the African Union in the background, aims to secure a permanent ceasefire, respect for territorial integrity and the prohibition of hostilities; the disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration of non-state armed groups; the establishment of a joint security coordination mechanism that incorporates the concept of operations (Conops) of October 31, 2024; the facilitation of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as humanitarian access; and a framework for regional economic integration.
