Unilateral ceasefire agreement signed between the Forces de défense contre la balkanisation du Congo (FDBC) and the presidential delegation on 9 September 2020

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Country/entity
Democratic Republic of Congo
Region
Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name
Unilateral ceasefire agreement signed between the Forces de défense contre la balkanisation du Congo (FDBC) and the presidential delegation on 9 September 2020
Date
9 Sep 2020
Agreement status
Unilateral document
Interim arrangement
Yes
Agreement/conflict level
Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( Congo Civil Wars (1996 - ) )
Stage
Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature
Government/territory
Peace process
DRC: Eastern DRC processes
Parties
President Tshisekedi's appointed delegation including former Ituri warlords

Defence Forces Against Balkanisation of the Congo (FDBC) / Forces de défense contre la balkanisation du Congo Leadership:

- Chief of the General Staff: Chui Mutambala

- Spokesperson: Stalone Beby

- Deputy Chief of the General Staff: Awilo Nichunga

(see original language document for images of signatures)
Third parties
-
Description
This agreement is part of a series of dialogues between a touring presidential delegation and local armed groups in Ituri province, focusing on the Defence Forces Against Balkanisation of the Congo (FDBC) group specifically in the Djugu territory of Ituri. The agreement calls for an immediate end to hostilities among armed groups including attacks against Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Police Nationale Congolaise (PNC). The provisions address a DDR programme as well as establishing a joint team to monitor ceasefire or 'truce'. The agreement also addresses the need for the armed group to support free movement of civilians and leave open humanitarian corridors.

Agreement document
CD_200909_Unilateral ceasefire agreement signed between the Forces de defense contre la balkanisation du Congo - TR.pdf | Download PDF
Agreement document (original language)
CD_200909_Unilateral ceasefire agreement signed between the Forces de défense contre la balkanisation du Congo (FDBC) and the presidential delegation on 9 September 2020.pdf | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth
No specific mention.
Disabled persons
No specific mention.
Elderly/age
No specific mention.
Migrant workers
No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group
No specific mention.
Religious groups
No specific mention.
Indigenous people
No specific mention.
Other groups
No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons
Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Substantive
Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 5.
The FDBC agree to leave open a humanitarian corridor in order to assist displaced persons and populations in need of humanitarian aid. They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.
Social class
No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender
No specific mention.
Men and boys
No specific mention.
LGBTI
No specific mention.
Family
No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general)
No specific mention.
State configuration
No specific mention.
Self determination
No specific mention.
Referendum
No specific mention.
State symbols
No specific mention.
Independence/secession
No specific mention.
Accession/unification
No specific mention.
Border delimitation
No specific mention.
Cross-border provision
No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed)
No specific mention.
Elections
No specific mention.
Electoral commission
No specific mention.
Political parties reform
No specific mention.
Civil society
Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 5.
The FDBC agree to leave open a humanitarian corridor in order to assist displaced persons and populations in need of humanitarian aid. They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.

Page 4, Section V. Final provisions:
Article 10.
The FDBC invite the Congolese government to put in place a mechanism for overseeing performance of this truce agreement, which shall consist of a joint team, including members of the FDBC, negotiators sent by the Head of State, the Congolese government and civilian society.
Traditional/religious leaders
Page 2, PREAMBLE
...Whereas the Congolese Head of State has charged certain Ituri community leaders sent from Kinshasa with a peacekeeping mission in Ituri province;...
Public administration
No specific mention.
Constitution
No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing
No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing
No specific mention.
Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
Military power sharing
No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general
No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation
No specific mention.
Civil and political rights
No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship
No specific mention.
Democracy
No specific mention.
Detention procedures
No specific mention.
Media and communication
No specific mention.
Mobility/access
Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 3.
The FDBC agree to allow free movement of person and their property in Ituri Province.

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 4.
The FDBC agree to allow the civilian population to go about their business peacefully and freely in Ituri Province.

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 5.
The FDBC agree to leave open a humanitarian corridor in order to assist displaced persons and populations in need of humanitarian aid. They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.
Protection measures
No specific mention.
Other
No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI
No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions
No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law
No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions
No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts
No specific mention.
Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
Traditional Laws
No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction
No specific mention.
National economic plan
No specific mention.
Natural resources
No specific mention.
International funds
No specific mention.
Business
Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 3.
The FDBC agree to allow free movement of person and their property in Ituri Province.
Taxation
No specific mention.
Banks
No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights
No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
Cultural heritage
No specific mention.
Environment
No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees
Page 2, PREAMBLE
Whereas the Congolese head of state made multiple calls on various armed groups active in the eastern DRC to cease hostilities;
Whereas the Congolese head of State called for an end to violence in Ituri during his visit to the Djugu territory in July 2019;
Whereas the Congolese head of state wishes and is committed to restoring the authority of the State in Ituri province;...
Being eager to participate and contribute to efforts to restore peace, security and retore the authority of the State in Ituri Province;
Ceasefire
Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 3, Section I: Unilateral truce:
The FDBC agree to put an end to hostilities in Ituri Province. The end of hostilities involves an end to attacks against FARDC, and the PNC
Police
Page 3, Section I: Unilateral truce:
The FDBC agree to put an end to hostilities in Ituri Province. The end of hostilities involves an end to attacks against FARDC, and the PNC
Armed forces
Page 3, Section I: Unilateral truce:
The FDBC agree to put an end to hostilities in Ituri Province. The end of hostilities involves an end to attacks against FARDC, and the PNC

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 5.
... They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.
DDR
Security sector→DDR→DDR programmes
Page 3, Section III. Accommodation:
Article 6.
The FDBC agree to gather their fighters at the sites provided by Congolese government technical services and/or their partners.

Page 3, Section III. Accommodation:
Article 7.
During the accommodation period, the FDBC not having the means to support themselves, agree to accept food and non-food provisions from the Congolese government and/or its partners to ensure the survival of their fighters.

Page 4, Section IV. Community DDR Process:
Article 8.
The FDBC agree to collaborate with the Congolese government on their disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion.

Pag 4, Section IV. Community DDR Process:
Article 9.
The collaboration mentioned in Article 8 above shall depend on the outcome of talks which will be held in accordance with Article 2 of this Agreement.
Intelligence services
No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
Page 2, PREAMBLE
Whereas the Congolese head of state made multiple calls on various armed groups active in the eastern DRC to cease hostilities;...

Page 3, Section I: Unilateral truce
Section I: Unilateral truce
The FDBC agree to put an end to hostilities in Ituri Province.
The end of hostilities involves an end to attacks against FARDC, and the PNC.

Page 3, Article 2:
The FDBC agree to enter into talks with the Congolese government regarding the demands made in the specifications given to the delegation sent from Kinshasa by the Congolese Head of State.

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 3.
The FDBC agree to allow free movement of person and their property in Ituri Province.

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 4.
The FDBC agree to allow the civilian population to go about their business peacefully and freely in Ituri Province.

Page 3, Section II: On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations:
Article 5.
The FDBC agree to leave open a humanitarian corridor in order to assist displaced persons and populations in need of humanitarian aid. They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.

Page 3, Section III. Accommodation:
Article 6.
The FDBC agree to gather their fighters at the sites provided by Congolese government technical services and/or their partners.

Page 3, Section III. Accommodation:
Article 7.
During the accommodation period, the FDBC not having the means to support themselves, agree to accept food and non-food provisions from the Congolese government and/or its partners to ensure the survival of their fighters.

Page 4, Section IV. Community DDR Process:
Article 8.
The FDBC agree to collaborate with the Congolese government on their disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion.

Pag 4, Section IV. Community DDR Process:
Article 9.
The collaboration mentioned in Article 8 above shall depend on the outcome of talks which will be held in accordance with Article 2 of this Agreement.

Page 4, Section V. Final provisions:
Article 10.
The FDBC invite the Congolese government to put in place a mechanism for overseeing performance of this truce agreement, which shall consist of a joint team, including members of the FDBC, negotiators sent by the Head of State, the Congolese government and civilian society.
Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
Corruption
No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
Drugs
No specific mention.
Terrorism
No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general
No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon
No specific mention.
Courts
No specific mention.
Mechanism
No specific mention.
Prisoner release
No specific mention.
Vetting
No specific mention.
Victims
No specific mention.
Missing persons
No specific mention.
Reparations
No specific mention.
Reconciliation
No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory
No specific mention.
Other international signatory
No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar
No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism
No specific mention.
Related cases
No specific mention.
Source
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/S_2020_1283_E.pdf

UNILATERAL TRUCE AGREEMENT WITH DEFENSE FORCES AGAINST BALKANISATION OF THE CONGO IN ITURI PROVINCE

PREAMBLE

Whereas the Congolese head of state made multiple calls on various armed groups active in the eastern DRC to cease hostilities;

Whereas the Congolese head of State called for an end to violence in Ituri during his visit to the Djugu territory in July 2019;

Whereas the Congolese head of state wishes and is committed to restoring the authority of the State in Ituri province;

Whereas the Congolese Head of State has charged certain Ituri community leaders sent from Kinshasa with a peacekeeping mission in Ituri province;

Whereas the delegation visited Djugu territory in 9 September 2020 to meet the Defense Forces Against Balkanisation of the Congo (FDBC) and the population in order to pas on the Congolese Head of State’s message of peace;

Whereas it is necessary to restore peace and security to entities controlled by FDBC in Ituri Province;

Whereas the delegation sent by the Head of State met FDBC on 9 September 2020;

Being eager to participate and contribute to efforts to restore peace, security and retore the authority of the State in Ituri Province;

THE FDBC AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

Section I:

Unilateral truce

The FDBC agree to put an end to hostilities in Ituri Province.

The end of hostilities involves an end to attacks against FARDC, and the PNC.

Article 2.

The FDBC agree to enter into talks with the Congolese government regarding the demands made in the specifications given to the delegation sent from Kinshasa by the Congolese Head of State.

Section II.

On free movement of person, goods, and humanitarian organisations.

Article 3.

The FDBC agree to allow free movement of person and their property in Ituri Province.

Article 4.

The FDBC agree to allow the civilian population to go about their business peacefully and freely in Ituri Province.

Article 5.

The FDBC agree to leave open a humanitarian corridor in order to assist displaced persons and populations in need of humanitarian aid.

They also agree to allow free passage of security services with supplies and on various trips.

Section III.

Accommodation

Article 6.

The FDBC agree to gather their fighters at the sites provided by Congolese government technical services and/or their partners.

Article 7.

During the accommodation period, the FDBC not having the means to support themselves, agree to accept food and non-food provisions from the Congolese government and/or its partners to ensure the survival of their fighters.

Section IV.

Community DDR Process

Article 8.

The FDBC agree to collaborate with the Congolese government on their disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion.

Article 9

The collaboration mentioned in Article 8 above shall depend on the outcome of talks which will be held in accordance with Article 2 of this Agreement.

Section V. Final provisions

Article 10.

The FDBC invite the Congolese government to put in place a mechanism for overseeing performance of this truce agreement, which shall consist of a joint team, including members of the FDBC, negotiators sent by the Head of State, the Congolese government and civilian society.

Article 11.

The FDBC agree to perform the terms of this Agreement in good faith, and the same shall take effect on the date of its signature.

Done in TSUGA, on 9 September 2020

(signatories)

*List below includes untranslated descriptions and only the signatories that are legible from the document*

Pour les FDBC:

Chui Mutambala - Chef d'stat (illegible) FDBC

Stalone Beby - (Illegible) FDBC

Awilo Nichunga - (Illegible) FDBC

Les Temoins:

1. Pour la delegation envoyee par le chef de l'Etat

Floribert Njabu Ngabu - Chef de la delegation

2. Les chefs des groupements et des villages

Lotsimo Tcheo-Germain - TSILI

Muzikale Kou - Babulaba

Budjo Libo - LIPRI

3. Les Responsables et Representants de l'Eglise locale

Past.

Buki Mateso - FEDA-CO

Past.

Barongo Fabian -

4. Les Organisations de la Societe Civile et de la Jeunesse

NGUNA OJUBBU - Pres.

Jeuue / LIPRI

Belo Bujumani - TSILI