Violent Conflict Continues in Congo despite Peace Treaty

A coalition of local and international aid groups have reported that at least 200 civilians have died and 150,000 others have been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year, where they say violent conflict has continued despite the signing of a peace agreement in January. According to the Congo Advocacy Coalition, the country’s North Kivu province especially remains under siege from armed militia groups that commit rapes, abductions and forced recruitment of child soldiers. The January peace agreement was signed between the Congolese government and 22 active rebel groups in the country. [PE]