In a renewed effort to bring lasting peace to the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, six armed groups operating in Ituri province signed a peace agreement on Saturday, June 28. The signing, which took place in Aru, north of Bunia, followed five days of intercommunity dialogue supported by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
Among the signatories were Codeco, FRPI, FPIC, Tchini ya Tuna, Zaire, and Mapi—groups that have been involved in years of conflict that have left communities in the region deeply affected. The dialogue brought together representatives from armed groups, local communities, and civil society, all seeking a path forward after continued instability.
On the evening of June 27, four groups—Codeco, FRPI, FPIC, and Tchini ya Tuna—signed the peace protocol, agreeing to halt hostilities. However, Zaire and Mapi initially withheld their signatures, protesting a deadly incident that took place earlier that day when members of Codeco were accused of attacking a camp for displaced persons, killing more than ten people.
The situation shifted the following day after sustained negotiations and growing pressure. A spokesperson for Codeco acknowledged the group’s role in the attack and committed to an internal investigation. Following this development, Zaire and Mapi agreed to join the agreement.
The six groups pledged to end all violence immediately, ensure the safe and unrestricted movement of civilians, and stop carrying weapons in public. They also agreed to take part in the government’s disarmament and reintegration programs.
Despite this step forward, concerns remain over the agreement’s long-term success. A local leader highlighted a recurring issue: when individuals from such groups disarm, they often return to their communities with no means of survival. Without employment opportunities or reintegration support, many eventually rejoin armed movements.
“To make this agreement work, it is not enough to disarm,” the leader said. “There must be real reintegration—training, economic support, and a chance to rebuild lives. Otherwise, the same people will be drawn back into conflict.”
Although this peace deal offers renewed hope for stability in Ituri, its effectiveness will depend heavily on how well the government follows through with reintegration efforts. For the people of Ituri, the true test of peace begins now.