Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Peace Information Service New mediation efforts have been made throughout June to end the ongoing conflict between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and pro-government forces in the North and South Kivu regions of eastern Congo.On June 13th, Bintou Keita, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), met with representatives from the Alliance Fleuve Congo and the March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) in Goma. This marks the first engagement between MONUSCO and M23 since the rebel group seized large parts of eastern Congo earlier this year. The meeting focused on establishing a framework between MONUSCO and the M23 to ensure the safety and free movement of UN personnel and civilians. Bintou Keita noted that the leaders of AFC/M23 expressed their willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution to the crisis and affirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions.On June 27th, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement in Washington, D.C., aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering regional stability after years of conflict in eastern DRC. The accord reaffirms both nations’ commitment to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to support the disengagement, disarmament and integration of armed groups as provided by other agreements or processes, and regional economic cooperation.While Trump described the peace agreement as a “tremendous breakthrough”, critics caution that its successful implementation hinges on the political and diplomatic commitment from all parties involved. One of the most significant hurdles to this agreement is the exclusion of the M23 from the direct negotiation process. While the rebel group has participated in ongoing peace talks in Doha, it was not directly involved in the Washington-brokered deal. M23 representatives have since indicated that they do not consider the agreement binding, raising concerns about its enforceability on the ground.Fighting persists – the situation on the ground throughout JuneIn the first half of June, the frontlines in DRC’s North and South Kivu provinces remained relatively calm. However, fighting was reported along the borders of Kahuzi Biega National Park, specifically at the border region between Kalehe and Kabare territories, South Kivu.Heavy clashes emerged in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, in the second half of June, when M23 rebels intensified their continuous attacks on Wazalendo positions in the Bwito chiefdom. Concurrently, in South Kivu, Wazalendo self-defence groups sought to regain ground in the Walungu territory, particularly in the Burhale and Mulamba groupements, southeast of the regional capital, Walungu Centre.The conflict in the Walungu territory escalated on June 21st, when M23-affiliated rebels killed 17 civilians in Luzirhu (also known as Munzinzi) amid accusations of their collaboration with FARDC. The FARDC refuted these allegations in an official statement and accused M23-affiliated rebels of setting fire to houses in Luzirhu and opening fire on fleeing civilians.On the 28th of June, a concerning abduction occurred in the town of Rubaya (Masisi territory, North Kivu), where M23 allegedly arrested more than 300 youths, including minors and brought them to unknown destinations. This marks the second significant incident around the M23-controlled mining sites in Rubaya in June, where on June 19th, a landslide in one of the pits caused the deaths of approximately 300 miners, as estimated by Mines.cd. A similar abduction was reported from the Luengo groupement (Kabare territory, South Kivu), where M23 arbitrarily arrested more than 20 youths and presented them as new volunteer recruits in Buvira. The DRC’s Minister for Human Rights, Chantal Chambu, confirmed both abductions and alerted that these acts constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law.Despite renewed diplomatic momentum, the path to peace in eastern DRC remains fragile. As fighting and human rights abuses persist, lasting progress will depend on inclusive dialogue and sustained political will from all parties.