Four months after its launch in Montreux, the expanded joint ceasefire verification mechanism (MCVE+) between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 has yet to begin operations. The unexpected expulsion of one of the three Congolese officers deployed in mid-July to Goma to represent the FARDC within the system has brought everything to a standstill. The AFC/M23 alleges the officer in question was previously affiliated with military intelligence. How are Congolese authorities responding to these accusations? What impact is this paralysis having on the ground?
Why was the Congolese officer expelled?
The AFC/M23 leadership accused the expelled officer of having previously served in the Congolese military intelligence services. According to their statement, this background made him ineligible for participation in the verification mechanism. The move has raised serious questions about the officer’s actual role and the legality of his expulsion under international agreements governing the ceasefire monitoring body.
Official response from Kinshasa
Congolese authorities have categorically denied the allegations, describing the expulsion as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the peace process. Government officials emphasized that the officer in question had been thoroughly vetted and approved for deployment by both Congolese and international authorities. They view the expulsion as a breach of trust and a violation of the Montreux agreement that established the verification mechanism.
Consequences of the paralysis
The halt in operations has left the verification mechanism inoperable, leaving the ceasefire between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 without independent oversight. This situation has intensified tensions on the ground, particularly in the eastern regions of North and South Kivu, where sporadic violence continues despite the agreed truce. Local communities and international observers alike are concerned about the escalating risks of renewed hostilities.
The absence of a functioning verification system also undermines efforts to build confidence between the parties, making it increasingly difficult to resume negotiations or implement confidence-building measures. Humanitarian organizations have expressed alarm over the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise if the situation deteriorates further.
Next steps
Efforts are underway to resolve the impasse, with both sides under pressure to find a compromise that allows the verification mechanism to resume its critical role. The Congolese government has called for the reinstatement of the expelled officer, while the AFC/M23 insists on guarantees regarding the neutrality and integrity of all personnel involved in the verification process. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, urging immediate action to prevent further destabilization in the region.
