On March 5, 2026, a joint statement was issued by a group of countries including the United States, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, and the European Union. They expressed deep concern over ongoing violations of the ceasefire agreements established by prior accords signed between Congolese and Rwandan parties, as well as between Kinshasa and the political-military group AFC/M23. These persistent breaches have heightened tensions in the eastern provinces of the DRC, which have been a hotspot for conflict for years.

The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) emphasized that a military solution to the ongoing conflict is not viable. In their statement, they reiterated the importance of dialogue and respect for the previously agreed-upon terms to achieve a sustainable resolution. The group’s stance reflects a broader international diplomatic approach to resolving the complex issues in the Great Lakes region, highlighting the role of cooperative engagement over militarized responses.

This call to respect obligations not only underscores the existing international commitments but also stresses the need to stabilize the eastern DRC, which has been frequently marred by violence involving various armed groups. The implications of failing to adhere to these agreements could be dire, exacerbating humanitarian crises and regional instability, which would require concerted international efforts to address.