72-Hour Ceasefire Agreed in DRC Conflict Ahead of Presidential Election

The temporary halt in fighting raises hopes for renewed negotiations, as UN and East African peacekeeping forces prepare to withdraw.

A 72-hour ceasefire has been agreed upon in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda-backed rebel groups, bringing a temporary halt to violent clashes in the east of DRC.
The ceasefire comes ahead of the DRC's presidential election, and amid escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with the DRC accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebel group.
The ceasefire has raised hopes for the resumption of negotiations between the DRC and the rebel groups, despite previous talks leading to 'a flurry of resolutions with not enough follow through,' according to an analyst.
Peacekeeping forces from the UN and the East African Community are due to start withdrawing from the DRC this month, following dissatisfaction with their performance and unwillingness to launch offensive operations against M23.
The US government has pledged to use its intelligence and diplomatic resources to monitor the activities of armed forces and non-state armed groups during the ceasefire.