The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), which includes the United States, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Sweden as chair, has strongly condemned recent ceasefire violations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a press release issued on Wednesday, 5th March 2026 through the U.S. Department of State, the ICG emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict, urging all parties to return immediately to negotiations.
The statement highlighted breaches of agreements under the Washington Accords, signed on December 4, 2025, and the Doha Commitment, of July 19, 2025, both designed to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities in the region.
“The ICG expresses its profound concern over the continued violations of the ceasefires, including the use of drones in military attacks, which pose acute risks to civilian populations,” the statement read.
The group called on all parties to urgently and unequivocally recommit to ending hostilities and to fully honor obligations under the Washington Accords, the Doha process, and UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808, including respect for DRC’s territorial integrity.
It also commended ongoing mediation efforts led by African Union-appointed mediator President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, alongside the Panel of Facilitators, the United States, and Qatar.
They also welcomed initiatives by Qatar, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and MONUSCO to establish a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, as well as Angola’s consultations to launch an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue.
The group urged strict adherence to international humanitarian law, calling for full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, while welcoming recent measures to improve aid delivery, including the reopening of the DRC–Burundi border and the use of Goma airport for humanitarian flights.
“Strict adherence to international humanitarian law is essential to protect civilians and ensure aid reaches them safely,” the group added.
Finally, the ICG urged all actors to cease incitement to hatred, discrimination, or violence, particularly against Rwandophone minorities,noting that such actions gravely endanger civilian populations and social cohesion.
“The international community stands united in calling for peace, dialogue, and the protection of civilians,” the statement concluded.
By condemning violations, supporting mediation efforts, and calling for full humanitarian access, the group reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to peace, stability, and social cohesion in the region.
Continued cooperation among regional actors, the UN, and humanitarian partners remains crucial to ending hostilities and ensuring that civilians are safeguarded while sustainable peace is pursued.
