DRC takes tentative steps towards peace
The government of the DRC and the leaders of the March 23rd Movement (M23) rebels are on the cusp of signing an important peace agreement brokered by members of the African Union (AU), particularly Uganda. The M23 rebels recently ceased military operations following an intense campaign by the DRC forces and the introduction of a beefed up UN ‘intervention brigade’. If the peace deal goes through, it could be a catalyst for greater security in the Great Lakes region and facilitate opportunities for regional trade and commerce. However, even optimists are cautious given the elevated security risks throughout the eastern provinces where simmering ethnic tension, regional disputes and competition for rich deposits of minerals and other natural resources is intense. Indeed, the M23 rebel group is just one of at least a dozen insurgency groups operating within the territory of the DRC, which include the notorious Mia Mia militia and Lord’s Resistance Army.