Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson Welcoming the Ceasefire in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The United States welcomes the 72-hour ceasefire committed to by the parties to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This development is a follow-up to the confidence building measures secured during Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines' travel November 19-20 to the DRC and Rwanda, and her subsequent engagements with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

Today, starting at noon Central Africa Standard Time (GMT+2), armed forces and non-state armed groups ceased fighting to facilitate the withdrawal of forces occupying the locality of Mushaki and the RP1030 road (Kirolwire-Kitchanga).

The DRC and Rwanda have expressed support for the U.S. proposal of a 72-hour ceasefire to advance the implementation of the confidence building measures to protect civilians and de-escalate tensions in eastern DRC.

The U.S. Government will use its intelligence and diplomatic resources to monitor the activities by armed forces and non-state armed groups during the ceasefire. In addition, the United States supports the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which seek to address the current and historic factors perpetuating this longstanding crisis.