DRC government, M23 rebels commit to protect civilians, aid deliveries

The DRC government and M23 rebels committed to protecting civilians and easing aid deliveries after talks in Switzerland. The agreement, announced in a joint statement facilitated by the US Department of State, aims to resolve the years-long conflict in eastern DRC. Both sides pledged to refrain from actions hindering humanitarian assistance, avoid targeting civilians, and facilitate medical care. They also agreed to release prisoners within 10 days to build confidence and signed a memorandum of understanding for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism. The M23, backed by Rwanda, has seized territory in eastern DRC since 2021, despite previous peace agreements.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has accepted its first group of deportees from the United States, primarily Colombians and Peruvians, who arrived on short-stay permits. This action occurs amidst US efforts to negotiate a minerals deal with DR Congo for access to key metals. A US Senate report indicates the Trump administration likely spent over $40 million on third-country deportations and provided over $32 million directly to five countries. The US has also facilitated a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda. Recent US and Qatar-mediated talks between the Congolese government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels resulted in agreements to allow humanitarian aid, protect civilians, and monitor a permanent ceasefire in the eastern DR Congo conflict.

Fifteen people deported from the United States arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) overnight Thursday to Friday. The deportees, including seven women, are nationals from Peru and Ecuador. This marks the first group sent to the DRC under an agreement between the US and the DRC, where Washington will cover the costs of their accommodation near Kinshasa. All of the deportees are believed to have legal protection from US judges shielding them against being returned to their home countries. The DRC is expected to receive more deportees, with future groups potentially arriving in monthly installments of around 50 people. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been asked by the DRC for humanitarian assistance with the migrants.