Tshisekedi ‘Agrees’ to Respect Angola-Requested Ceasefire, But Violations Continue

KINSHASA, February 13, 2026 - President Félix Tshisekedi has announced that DRC government forces will respect a ceasefire called for by his João Lourenço, in coordination with the African Union. According to the Presidential Office, the ceasefire requires both the government and the AFC/M23 coalition to remain in current positions, stop reinforcing fighting areas, refrain from repositioning to launch attacks, and halt external assistance.

The agreement, based on the Doha peace process signed on October 15, 2025, also establishes a monitoring body to track compliance. The Angolan government had requested the ceasefire to begin on February 18, following consultations with Tshisekedi and mediators including Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé and Olusegun Obasanjo.

Despite Tshisekedi’s announcement, ceasefire violations by the DRC government have persisted. AFC/M23 forces have repeatedly responded, citing the principle of “destroying evil at its source”, and have seized key areas including Goma and Bukavu.

On February 12, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed skepticism over the DRC’s commitment, saying:

“We can always negotiate peace agreements or ceasefire declarations, but as long as Kinshasa does not stop airstrikes and heavy artillery, and President Tshisekedi insists on a military solution, while the international community overlooks these violations, it will be futile.”

On February 13, Benjamin Mbonimpa, Permanent Secretary of AFC/M23, stated that Angola had not formally informed the alliance of the ceasefire request, reaffirming that AFC/M23 continues to respect the Doha process. He added:

“We were not invited, we do not know its contents. We have always respected the ceasefire and many times announced it ourselves.”

Mbonimpa also accused the DRC government of further violating the ceasefire on February 13 and expressed confidence that MONUSCO troops will properly monitor compliance.