Armed Group in Congo Announces Ceasefire Before Talks

The Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP), an armed group operating in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), declared a unilateral ceasefire on Thursday. The ceasefire, set to begin at midnight, aims to facilitate upcoming preliminary discussions with the Congolese government in Kinshasa, mediated by Uganda.
Led by Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, the CRP emphasized the importance of the ceasefire to enhance the chances of successful pre-dialogue. The group urged both sides to avoid provocations that could escalate tensions in Ituri Province, stressing the region’s need for peace.
Former militia leader Lubanga, previously convicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes involving child soldiers, was released in March 2020 after serving a 14-year sentence. The CRP’s presence in Ituri Province has led to clashes with government forces in Djugu territory, causing displacement and insecurity, as reported by local and UN-backed media.
In January 2026, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) raised concerns about escalating violence in Ituri province, severely impacting humanitarian operations. OCHA highlighted the challenges faced by over 87,000 displaced individuals in and around Bule, including shortages of essential resources like food, healthcare, and clean water.