Escalation of Violence in Eastern DR Congo Despite Peace Talks
Despite recent commitments made during peace talks between the African Union (AFC) and the M23 rebel group and the Congolese government, reports of drone and artillery attacks have emerged in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). These incidents occurred shortly after both parties met in Montreux, Switzerland, from April 13 to 17, 2026, to discuss a potential ceasefire and other humanitarian concerns.
Accusations of Indiscriminate Attacks
Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for the AFC/M23, accused forces aligned with Kinshasa—such as Burundian troops, the FDLR, mercenaries, Wazalendo, and other militias—of conducting indiscriminate attacks using heavy artillery and combat drones. According to Kanyuka, during the night of April 18 to 19, coalition forces targeted densely populated areas in Kalingi and Bidegu in Minembwe. The attacks involved both heavy artillery and kamikaze drones, which he claimed deliberately targeted civilian populations.
Kanyuka further reported that on Sunday at around 3:20 p.m., the same coalition used a CH-4 drone to shell Mitimingi and surrounding areas in Masisi territory. This attack caused significant material damage and exposed civilians to heightened danger. He emphasized that the AFC/M23 continues to document these violations of the ceasefire, which he claims are orchestrated by the Kinshasa regime.
Commitments from Peace Talks
The recent peace talks aimed to address several key issues, including the establishment of a ceasefire and the release of prisoners. Both parties agreed to refrain from attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure critical to their survival. In a joint statement released on April 19, they committed to “refrain from any attack, destruction, removal, or rendering useless objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,” including food supplies, agricultural areas, water installations, and key public services such as hospitals, schools, and energy facilities.
Additionally, the ninth round of talks produced an agreement on prisoner release within ten days. A total of 311 AFC/M23-affiliated detainees and 166 government personnel are expected to be released. This move is seen as a positive step toward reducing tensions between the two sides.
Humanitarian Progress and Challenges
Beyond the ceasefire provisions, the negotiations also made progress on broader humanitarian arrangements. Both parties reported “substantial progress” toward a protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection. They emphasized the urgency of delivering life-saving assistance to affected populations. The agreement includes facilitating rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access, ensuring the movement of aid personnel, goods, and services without discrimination.
The parties also committed to maintaining access to essential services such as healthcare, food, water, housing, and education. This is crucial for the well-being of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
Implementation and Monitoring
To ensure compliance with the ceasefire, the parties working with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region agreed to operationalise the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+), with support from the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. This mechanism is expected to oversee monitoring and reporting on compliance with the ceasefire, with initial verification missions anticipated within days.
However, despite these efforts, the Qatar-mediated peace talks, launched in April 2025, have not stopped hostilities in eastern DR Congo. The continued violence raises concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing negotiations and the commitment of all parties involved.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Outlook
As the situation remains volatile, the international community is closely watching the developments in DR Congo. The AFC/M23 has reiterated its commitment to defending civilian populations and establishing a security perimeter. Meanwhile, the Congolese government continues to face pressure to uphold its commitments and ensure the safety of its citizens.
With the next round of peace talks approaching, the focus will likely shift to addressing the ongoing violence and ensuring that the agreements reached are implemented effectively. The success of these efforts will determine whether the region can move toward lasting peace and stability.
