The M23 rebels, who control significant areas of eastern Congo, have agreed to a ceasefire with African coalition troops.
The ceasefire comes as the peacekeepers, part of the South African Development Community (SADC), prepare to withdraw from the region.
In a joint statement, both parties confirmed their commitment to rebuild Goma’s damaged airport to ensure a smooth departure of the peacekeeping forces.
The SADC troops, which include soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, were initially deployed in 2023 to help stabilize the volatile region, rich in mineral resources.
However, the mission struggled against the M23 insurgents, supported by Rwanda, whose attacks since January have overrun several key cities.
The violence resulted in the deaths of several peacekeepers, leading to diminished support for the operation among donor nations.
Earlier this month, SADC announced the withdrawal of its troops.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka hailed the ceasefire as a “historic day,” emphasizing that it highlighted the need for a political resolution, not a military one.
He expressed gratitude to SADC for recognizing the futility of a purely military approach and stressed the importance of dialogue.
Kanyuka also accused Congolese troops of violating ceasefire terms and urged SADC to engage with the Congolese government to halt these breaches.
Meanwhile, the eastern region continues to suffer from violent conflict, with over 7 million people displaced.
The withdrawal of SADC forces marks a turning point in a long-standing conflict that has led to immense human suffering and instability in the mineral-rich region.
