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🇨🇩 DR Congo /Conflict & Security

Peace accord signed between self-defense groups and civilians in Walikale

From Radio Okapi · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Peace has been restored between self-defense groups (VDP) and civilians in Walikale territory, North Kivu, DR Congo.
  • A three-day dialogue, supported by MONUSCO, led to an agreement to end hostilities and promote peaceful coexistence.
  • The agreement aims to foster lasting peace and social cohesion, with both parties committing to speaking with one voice for the region's development.

In the Walikale territory of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, a significant peace accord has been reached between the Volunteer for Defense (VDP) groups and the local civilian population. This agreement, brokered after a three-day dialogue in Ntoto, marks a crucial step towards ending conflict and fostering reconciliation in the region.

Thanks to these meetings, according to him, the two parties asked each other for forgiveness and the page is turned.

— Bams Bayomba MishikiExplaining the outcome of the dialogue between VDP and civilians.

The dialogue, organized by the territorial youth council of Walikale with support from MONUSCO, aimed to re-establish peace, promote harmonious living, and strengthen social cohesion. Participants included politico-administrative authorities, leaders of VDP groups such as the VDP Uhuru led by self-proclaimed General Mashite, representatives from the 34th military region, and various segments of the population from the Waloa-Uroba grouping.

Both the VDP fighters, also known as Wazalendo, and the civilians committed to prioritizing peaceful coexistence and durable peace within the community. Bams Bayomba Mishiki, coordinator of the Action Group for the Protection of Children (GAPE), explained that a misunderstanding had previously existed between the civilians and the Wazalendo combatants. He noted that the dialogue facilitated mutual apologies, allowing both sides to turn the page on past grievances.

For the organizers, this mini-dialogue has helped bring the Armed Forces of the DRC and the Wazalendo groups closer.

— Radio OkapiReporting on the impact of the peace talks.

Organizers believe this dialogue has successfully bridged the gap between the Armed Forces of the DRC and the Wazalendo groups. The agreement emphasizes a unified approach, with participants now committed to speaking with a single voice to contribute to the development of their entity. This unified front is seen as essential for achieving lasting stability and progress in the region.

From now on, the participants have agreed to speak with one voice in order to contribute to the development of their entity.

— Radio OkapiDetailing the commitment made by the parties after the dialogue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Radio Okapi in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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