Ladd Serwat, Senior Africa Analyst at the conflict data mapping organization ACLED (Armed Conflict Location Event Data) said:
Following Qatar-mediated talks, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi agreed to a ceasefire on 18 March to the ongoing March 23 Movement (M23) rebellion that began in November 2021. This is the first ceasefire agreement since the Rwandan military forces (RDF) re-engaged in the conflict in December 2024 alongside the M23, taking over extensive areas of North and South Kivu, including both regional capital cities.
Previous ceasefires between DRC and Rwanda were made in April 2023 and July to August 2024. While political violence declined in both cases, and the RDF ceased direct hostilities, they were unable to bring an end to fighting between the M23 and proxy militias associated with the Congolese military under the Wazalendo coalition. Without a broader agreement that specifically addresses these armed groups, fighting will likely continue at reduced levels in the coming weeks.
ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) is an independent, impartial, international non-profit organization collecting data on violent conflict and protest in all countries and territories in the world.
