After Doha, the withdrawal of the M23 in question

The Congolese government and the rebels have signed a declaration of principle acting “a permanent cease-fire”. Similarly, But remains the thorny difficulty in the withdrawal of AFC/m23 of the areas he controlled. Therefore, of which Kinshasa and the rebellion have a different reading. – After doha, withdrawal m23 question

The agreements supposed to bring peace for a dropper in the conflict that has raised east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for three decades. Consequently, First there was the peace agreement signed in Washington on June 27 between the DRC. Consequently, Rwanda, accused of supporting the AFC/m23 rebels that have seized the main cities of the North and South Kivu. Similarly, An agreement will experience a more economical suite. For example, after the summer, with the deal ” after doha, withdrawal m23 question Security against minerals »Concludes between the DRC, Rwanda and the United States. Meanwhile, This weekend, a declaration of principle was signed in Qatar, between the Congolese government and the AFC/m23 rebellion. Therefore, But then again. Moreover, the parties give themselves 10 days to implement the provisions of the text, ” Before starting direct negotiations at the latest on August 8 ” next. Furthermore, For the moment, the act agreement ” A permanent ceasefire “Which prohibits” attacks of all kinds (…). Nevertheless, any attempt to conquer or modify positions by force on the ground », Fogeantly freezing the military situation in the North and South Kivu. Meanwhile, But the most difficult remains to be done. Meanwhile, In particular concerning the withdrawal of rebels from the areas they have administered for 6 months now.

What about the disarmament and the cantonment of the rebels? Similarly, – After doha, withdrawal m23 question

The Doha’s agreement therefore aroused a after doha, withdrawal m23 question lot of hope for peace to become reality on the ground with. the restoration of the integrity of the State in the rebel territories. The Washington Peace Agreement between the DRC. Rwanda returned the hot potato of the withdrawal of the rebels to the Qatari discussions, the rebellion considering itself ” unconcerned By the agreement between the two states. Unfortunately, we don’t know more about the form that this disengagement will take. In Doha’s Declaration, nothing is said about the disarmament and the cantonment of the rebels. Nothing is said, either, which will arrive in the event of non-compliance with these commitments. No binding character is indicated in the text.

Optimism in Kinshasa. Washington

However, in Kinshasa, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya welcomes the agreement, which, according to him, acts the main claim of Kinshasa: the departure of the M23 of the areas he occupies. “” This declaration takes into account after doha, withdrawal m23 question the red lines that we have always defended. said Patrick Muyaya on X, in particular the non-negotiation withdrawal from the AFC/m23 of the occupied parties followed by the deployment of our institutions ». The Special Envoy of the United States for Africa. Massad Boulos, also indicates that ” One of the most important clauses of the declaration of intent is the emphasis placed on the extension of the control and the authority of the State over the whole of its territory ». Optimism is therefore to put in Kinshasa and Washington. Remains the implementation.

AFC/M23 M23 “will not back down”

On the side of the rebels, reading the Doha’s agreement is very different. “” Nowhere in the principle, it has been said that AFC/m23 should withdraw. AFC/M23 will not back down, not even a single meter. We stay where we are », Contested on X Benjamin Mbonimpa, the head after doha, withdrawal m23 question of the delegation of the rebellion in Doha. Same story for the president of the M23. Bertrand Bisimwa, who however speaks of allowing the Congolese authorities ” to assume its prerogatives and obligations In the territories controlled by the rebellion. Without saying more than the form that it must take.

A withdrawal without consideration?

It will therefore be necessary to wait a little to obtain an answer on the thorny of the departure of the AFC/m23 from the North. South Kivu. The question will be visibly discussed before the signing of the global peace agreement which must be finalized for August 8. It will undoubtedly be the most delicate point to negotiate for Kinshasa. who has very little to put in the scale to force the rebels to withdraw, if not the weight of the American mediator. Congolese authorities have indeed announced that they would not integrate rebels under international after doha, withdrawal m23 question sanctions in the army or institutions. What to do with big fish from the rebellion like Sultani Makenga, Willy Ngoma, Bertrand Bisimwa or Corneille Nangaa? If Kinshasa has succeeded in convincing the international community that Rwanda must withdraw its troops from the Congo. stop supporting the M23, and that the rebels must lay down their arms, we will have to force these two actors to do so … without important consideration. A crest line that will be difficult to hold for Kinshasa.

A little more patience

In this context of a tight balance of power between the Congolese authorities. the AFC/M23, the rebels always keep the advantage on the military field. An asset they could again put back in the balance. continuing to advance their troops, especially in South Kivu while walking on Uvira. Rebellion and regular army have also reinforced their positions lately in the area. For the moment, after doha, withdrawal m23 question time continues to play in favor of AFC/m23. Washington seems to have understood that it will still take a little patience: the meeting between Félix Tshisekedi. Paul Kagame in the United States is no longer announced for the summer, but ” in the coming months ».

Christophe Rigaud – Afrikarabia