The United States has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to immediately halt aerial and drone attacks against civilians and fully implement the ceasefire agreed on February 13, 2026, aimed at de-escalating violence in South Kivu.
Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa to US President Donald Trump, said Washington welcomes Kinshasa’s acceptance of the truce but stressed that the commitment must be reflected in concrete action on the ground.
The Congolese presidency announced that President Félix Tshisekedi had accepted a ceasefire proposal advanced by Angolan President João Lourenço, who currently chairs the African Union. Authorities in Kinshasa said the government is ready to begin observing the ceasefire from February 18, 2026.
Despite the announcement, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC/M23 coalition, accused the Congolese army of continuing attacks against civilians and rebel positions. He described the ceasefire declaration as an attempt to mislead the international community.
Nangaa said AFC/M23 remains committed to the peace process and will continue to respect the ceasefire framework reached during the Doha talks in Qatar.
Boulos underscored that the DRC’s acceptance of the Angolan-led initiative must go beyond diplomatic statements.
“I am encouraged by the DRC’s acceptance of Angola’s ceasefire proposal. This must be accompanied by action. All parties must immediately halt hostilities, including drone strikes that continue to claim innocent civilian lives,” he said.
Angola renewed calls for a fresh truce as United Nations peacekeepers under MONUSCO prepare to implement a separate ceasefire arrangement agreed during the Doha negotiations, particularly in the Uvira area.
The DRC’s pledge to observe the ceasefire has received strong backing from major powers, including the United States, as well as international organizations seeking to stabilize eastern Congo and pave the way for a sustainable political settlement.
