In a development not previously reported, parties involved in the ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to a two-week extension, according to a senior U.S. official familiar with the situation.
The Biden administration official, who preferred to remain unnamed, confirmed the extension, providing a brief insight into ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the complex situation in the region.
The initial 72-hour ceasefire, announced by the White House, applied to armed forces and non-state armed groups occupying specific transit hubs in eastern DRC. The ceasefire, which broadly adhered to its intended scope, expired, leading to this two-week extension.
While the details of the extension couldn’t be independently verified with the involved parties, the move comes ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s general elections scheduled for December 20.
Efforts to maintain the ceasefire indicate the urgency to address the conflict in eastern DRC, where longstanding issues and geopolitical tensions contribute to ongoing violence. The region has witnessed the resurgence of groups like the M23 rebel group, with accusations from Congo against Rwanda for supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies.
The situation in eastern DRC adds complexity to the broader concerns facing the country, including economic challenges, corruption, and issues related to the mining sector.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced nearly 7 million people, creating one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations. As diplomatic efforts continue, the extension of the ceasefire offers a brief respite and an opportunity for further negotiations to address the root causes of the conflict.
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