The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group have signed a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar. The accord promises to end decades of conflict, but civil society leaders remain wary of its success due to Rwanda’s deep-rooted involvement in Congolese affairs.
In a move seen as historic, the agreement outlines a permanent ceasefire on land, air, and sea. It bans sabotage, hate propaganda, and forceful seizure of territory. It also includes plans for refugee return and cooperation with international bodies.
However, Isaiah Mombilo, Chairperson of the Congolese Civil Society in South Africa, believes the road to peace will be far from simple. “Rwanda was infiltrated in Congo for so many years,” he says, pointing out how deeply entangled Rwanda is in the country’s politics, economy, and resources.
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Promises are made but skepticism runs deep
The signing ceremony may have taken place in Qatar, but its success will depend on what happens on Congolese soil. Mombilo reflects on the past thirty years of instability. He explains that Rwanda has exerted quiet but firm control over Congo’s military and economic sectors for decades.
“There is a lot in terms of controlling Congo in all aspects,” he says.
The peace deal may seem solid, but history suggests otherwise. “One day all of a sudden everything changes. I think it is not going to be an easy task for Congo as well,” Mombilo warns. The promise of peace is not new. Many similar deals have failed due to foreign interference and internal fragility.
For those on the ground, the ink on the paper means little without visible change. The question is not just whether M23 will put down their arms, but whether Rwanda is willing to loosen its grip.
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Governance gaps and the need for oversight
Even with M23 on board, there are internal issues that could derail the process. “There’s too much corruption happening,” Mombilo explains. A lack of accountability and governance threatens to undo any gains the agreement could bring.
He argues that peace cannot succeed without strong enforcement. To avoid yet another failed attempt, he calls for an external body to monitor implementation. “A commission linking SADC, AU, and international representation with an honest truth and no taking sides politically,” he suggests. Without an impartial force, violations will likely continue without consequence.
There is also the concern that Rwanda may resist change. Mombilo believes Rwanda’s growing economy is tied to the current system of control over Congo. “Rwanda is becoming powerfully economic and also has some arrangements to improve its economy through that system,” he says. If Rwanda loses access to Congo’s wealth, its own stability could be threatened.
The stakes are not just national. Mombilo fears failure may trigger a wider crisis. “This… is going to cause maybe a world war because so many people are involved in this metaphor,” he cautions. In a world already shaken by multiple conflicts, Congo cannot afford to be ignored.
The peace agreement brings a glimmer of hope for a region haunted by violence, but it also brings responsibility. As Mombilo reminds us, peace cannot thrive in the shadows. It must be backed by transparency, action, and the courage to confront long-standing power dynamics.
Real change will not come from a handshake in Doha. It will come when those with power finally let go and allow the people of the DRC to reclaim what has always been theirs, peace with dignity.
Image credit: AP News
