Goma, July 16, 2026 – Senior officers representing the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the AFC/M23 coalition met in Goma on Thursday for the inaugural session of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (MCVE+), tasked with monitoring compliance with the ceasefire agreement, as both sides continue to accuse each other of violations.
The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Ceasefire Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (COVM) and was attended by observers from the African Union (AU) and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
Representing FARDC were Lt. Col. Ben Epule Cosmas, Maj. Lokuli Bofanda Fredy, and Maj. Kitoko Dimonekene André. The officers arrived in Goma on July 13 aboard a MONUSCO aircraft accompanied by the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Deputy Head of MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre.
The MCVE+ was established under the ceasefire agreement signed in Doha, Qatar, on October 14, 2025, between the DRC government and AFC/M23. The agreement was intended to halt hostilities and create a framework for monitoring the ceasefire while supporting a broader political process aimed at restoring lasting peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
During follow-up talks held in Montreux, Switzerland, in April 2026, both parties agreed on the mechanism’s structure, mandate, and operating procedures. Its responsibilities include receiving and assessing reports from both sides, investigating alleged ceasefire violations, preparing reports for peace process stakeholders, and helping prevent disputes from escalating.
Under the agreement, the DRC government and AFC/M23 each appoint three representatives to the mechanism, while additional members come from international partners. MONUSCO provides logistical and technical support, including transportation for verification teams and the use of drones to monitor compliance with the ceasefire.
Although the mechanism has now begun its work, tensions remain high, with Kinshasa and AFC/M23 continuing to exchange accusations of fresh attacks and ceasefire violations, particularly in South Kivu Province. The launch of the joint mechanism is viewed as an important step toward strengthening confidence-building measures and supporting ongoing peace efforts.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
