Will monitoring of eastern DRC’s ‘ceasefire’ improve compliance?
The Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) has begun monitoring a ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Experts question whether the mission can effectively verify compliance given the fragmented nature of the conflict and the tendency of warring parties to use ceasefires for tactical repositioning.
Why it matters
Effective ceasefire monitoring is critical to de-escalating one of the world's most persistent and complex humanitarian crises in the Great Lakes region.
By Bram Verelst Senior Researcher, Conflict Prevention, Management and Peacebuilding in the Great Lakes Region, ISS Nicodemus Minde Researcher and adjunct faculty member at United States International University – Africa, Nairobi
The first mission to verify the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ceasefire agreed in November 2025 began its work in South Kivu on 24 August. But can facts be established in a fragmented and polarised context? And can the mission's findings change how warring parties assess the costs, risks and benefits of continued fighting?
The Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+) was activated following August talks in Switzerland between the DRC government and Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23. Qatar, the United States (US) and African Union (AU) helped mediate.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in