M23 Vs DRC!Shocking agreement in Switzerland with M23 rebels

A dramatic turn of events on the shores of Lake Geneva. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the AFC/M23 rebellion have initialed a historic memorandum in Switzerland, creating a joint ceasefire verification mechanism. Meanwhile, Kinshasa is playing a different, strategic game by building up reserves of three high-tech minerals. Analysis.

This is news that RFI broadcast like a shockwave. Following discreet negotiations in Switzerland, delegations from Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebels signed a document that could be a game-changer in the war-torn east of the country. The mechanism provides for three observers per side, supported by MONUSCO, to monitor any violation of the ceasefire, including drone strikes.

The meeting was convened at the initiative of Qatar, the tireless mediator, with the United States acting as a mere facilitator. This memorandum follows on from the Doha agreements, finalized in the fall of 2025, which nevertheless failed to silence the guns. In short: the diplomatic machinery is running, but on the ground, the East remains a powder keg.

Meanwhile, Washington is actively working. Americans and Qatari mediators are trying to mend fences between the DRC and Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of fueling the M23 Tutsi rebellion. Since 2021, this group has seized control of more than one hundred towns, including two provincial capitals. This deep-rooted conflict has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Kinshasa counterattacks in the mineral sector

While the fighting continues, the Congolese government has played a trump card in the economy. According to the Financial Times, Kinshasa is launching the creation of strategic reserves of germanium, cobalt, and coltan. The objective: to influence global prices. Patrick Luabeya, head of Arecoms, doesn't mince words: "We will be happy if prices rise."

The maneuver is clear: to avoid oversupply, stabilize the market, and above all, no longer be at the mercy of foreign buyers. With half of the world's cobalt reserves—the black gold used in electric vehicle batteries—the DRC now intends to play a major role. No speculation, Luabeya vows, but proactive regulation.

The timing is striking. While the international community scrutinizes the ceasefire and the abuses, Kinshasa is strengthening its mining sovereignty. The rebels, for their part, still control certain mining areas. In this complex situation, peace and mineral resources are now inextricably linked.

Meanwhile, observers are holding their breath. Will the Swiss agreement hold? Will the cobalt reserves cause prices to skyrocket? One thing is certain: the DRC is not giving up, neither on the military front nor on the raw materials front.

...NE......

USA disappointed with Rwanda's violation of DRC territorial integrity.

 The United States expressed its deep disappointment with Rwanda's continued escalation of the conflict, which it considers a direct violation of its obligations under the Washington Accords.

"The United States reiterated its call for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops. The sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the DRC must be respected," said the U.S. Assistant Representative to the United Nations.

Ambassador Tammy Bruce noted that, in turn, the DRC government must fulfill its commitments to immediately neutralize the FDLR, at least in areas under its control. Addressing these long-standing security concerns is essential to breaking the cycle of mistrust that has fueled this conflict for decades.

Exclusive Intelligence reportCopper Intelligence (listed on the US stock exchange) is relying on former CIA and Blackwater agent Enrique Prado and e

 To bolster its ButemboCopper project, aimed at exploiting the Bashu copper deposit in North Kivu, an area plagued by ADF activity, the company Copper Intelligence (listed on the US stock exchange) is relying on former CIA and Blackwater agent Enrique Prado and evangelist Jean Bosco Kanku Kalumbu.

On April 13 in New York, Copper Intelligence announced additions to its board of directors, according to African Discovery Group (Copper Intelligence's former name).

● Enrique "Ric" Prado is a specialist in paramilitary, counterterrorism, and clandestine operations. Ric is a 24-year CIA veteran, having served in six overseas postings. He was deputy station chief and owner of the original Bin Laden command post under senior analyst Michael Scheuer, as well as station chief in a hostile country. Ric also served as chief of operations at the CIA Counterterrorism Center (CTC) during the 9/11 attacks, where he helped coordinate CIA/CTC special operations activities with the National Security Council and the FBI, as well as with elite U.S. military representatives from Delta Force and SEAL Team 6, according to Copper Intelligence.

Prado retired as a Senior Intelligence Service-2, a CIA equivalent of a major general. He received the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal (the highest honor awarded to a retired operations officer) and the George Bush Medal for Excellence in Counterterrorism, among other awards. Ric's memoir, "Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior," is a bestseller.

● Jean Bosco Kanku Kalumbu is a multifaceted leader with extensive experience in international pastoral leadership, humanitarian diplomacy, strategic lobbying, and executive management in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Jean Bosco Kanku Kalumbu recently served as founder and senior pastor of the #Source of Salvation Church in Brussels, as well as DRC humanitarian ambassador, representing rural humanitarian priorities to national and international institutions, overseeing key programs such as agropastoral development, the installation of clean water wells, and youth employment initiatives," the document states.

My online research indicates that Jean Bosco Kanku Kalumbu is married to Sandra Mbuyi, a popular gospel singer in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr. Ntumba Vicky is appointed Chief of Staff for the Political Coordination of AFC/M23.

 

USA diplomat James Swan officially took office this Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of MONUSCO

 

American diplomat James Swan officially took office this Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of MONUSCO. His appointment comes amid persistent insecurity in the east of the country.

Adopted in December 2025 by the UN Security Council, resolution 2808 renews the mandate of the UN mission until December 20, 2026, while redefining its priorities in light of the evolving situation on the ground.

A mandate adapted to a persistent crisis

Unlike previous mandates, Resolution 2808 marks a pause in the gradual disengagement of MONUSCO, due to the continued and persistent deterioration of the security situation in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu where MONUSCO is to monitor the ceasefire.

The text also incorporates new diplomatic frameworks, including the Washington Peace Agreement, signed in June 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as the Doha Peace Agreement, concluded in November of the same year.

In this context, MONUSCO is called upon to play an increased role in supporting a permanent ceasefire, particularly through a monitoring and verification mechanism.

New threats and a strengthened response

The resolution expresses grave concern over the use of sophisticated military technologies by armed groups, including surface-to-air missiles and suicide drones.

To address this, the mission is authorized to conduct targeted offensive operations via its intervention brigade, in order to neutralize armed groups active in the East of the country.

The text also emphasizes the fight against impunity, the protection of children and the strengthening of judicial mechanisms, particularly in matters of sexual violence.

Pressure on armed groups and international demands

The resolution strongly condemns the offensives of the AFC/M23 and demands the withdrawal of Rwandan forces (RDF) from Congolese territory.

It also tasks MONUSCO with monitoring the implementation of the arms embargo, as well as GPS jamming practices, which are increasingly used in conflict zones.

Finally, the Security Council provides for sanctions against any attack targeting UN peacekeepers or UN personnel, and demands the immediate lifting of any restrictions on the freedom of movement of the mission.

With this strengthened mandate, James Swan inherits a complex mission, called upon to combine military action, diplomacy and the protection of civilians in one of the most fragile security contexts in the world.

Kony's LRA lays deadly attack on village of Bale.

Early morning  of today I received Intelligence (HUMINT & OSINT which I hesitantly lead a proof survey on until this evening) that in the night of April 3-4, the village of Bale, located in the Ebale group in the Sasa chiefdom, was targeted by an incursion from LRA rebels. This attack resulted in the abduction of thirteen children and caused significant material damage.

According to our sources who travelled to Bale,the attackers notably targeted the Kpokpo health center, where several essential medical equipment items were destroyed. Shops in the village were also looted, exacerbating the precarious situation of the already vulnerable residents.

Faced with this situation, the intelligence  collection from civilians reveal them denouncing the persistent insecurity, fueled by the porous border with the Central African Republic. It calls for an urgent strengthening of the armed forces' capabilities and communication infrastructure to enable rapid intervention in the event of new threats.

This is another serious warning about the fragile security situation in this isolated part of the country, where civilian populations remain the first victims and the alert goes to both UPDF and FARDC .

...NE....

For God and my Country!

13 M23 fighters surrender to the FARDC, a Rwandan helicopter shot down in Muramvya

Thirteen fighters of the M23-AFC and the Twirwaneho group, from Minembwe-Centre, voluntarily surrendered to the FARDC in Mikenge Fizi, laying down their weapons (AK-47). Presented to Colonel MPANGA BANZE Guilly, these elements were taken care of as part of the surrender and demobilization process. At the same time, after the recapture of Muramvya village, the FARDC destroyed a Rwandan helicopter that came with reinforcements to support its troops trapped in Minembwe as reported by MBUYI KALONJI Reagan – SLt/Spokesperson Operations School 2 South South Kivui.