The fragile calm promised in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has failed to materialise, despite a ceasefire agreement signed last month. Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, voiced concern on Tuesday during a visit to Kinshasa, warning that violence continues to scar the mineral-rich east.
Prevot acknowledged Belgium’s “confidence” in the Qatar-mediated peace process but admitted the reality on the ground had shown little tangible improvement. The Congolese government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels had pledged in July to silence their weapons and pursue a lasting peace.
That deal, reached after negotiations in Qatar, required peace talks to begin on 8 August and conclude with an agreement by 18 August. The deadlines have passed, yet Qatar said both sides remain engaged, attempting to prevent hopes for stability from collapsing altogether.
Prevot stressed that “a large number” of killings and violent acts have marred the region, urging full implementation of the truce. He made his remarks alongside Congolese parliamentary speaker Vital Kamerhe, highlighting the urgency of ending suffering in a conflict that has endured too long.
The foreign minister’s tour of Africa began in the Republic of Congo and will extend to Kenya and Ethiopia in the coming days. For the people of eastern Congo, however, the promise of peace remains elusive, echoing through the hills with every gunshot still fired.
