𝗗𝗥𝗖 𝗿𝗲𝗯𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗟𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, leader of the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP), has reaffirmed his movement’s ceasefire commitment following a meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Entebbe on October 9, 2026, in a development that could help revive peace efforts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a statement issued on October 10, Lubanga directed the CRP’s defence executive secretary and chief of general staff to oversee implementation of the ceasefire, reaffirming the movement’s commitment to halting hostilities against the Congolese government.

The meeting brought together CRP representatives and senior Congolese military officials, including Lt Gen Jacques Kyaligonza Nduru, Maj Gen Evariste Kakule Somo and Maj Gen Gaby Kasongo Mulumba Batoka, alongside Ugandan diplomatic representatives and a regional peace and security expert.

Lubanga said the parties had agreed to resume a pre-dialogue process initiated in April 2026 after two weeks. The facilitation team recommended suspending armed confrontation to build trust and confidence ahead of negotiations.

The renewed commitment offers an opportunity to advance dialogue in a region plagued by persistent insecurity, armed-group activity and repeated setbacks in peace negotiations. If implemented faithfully, the ceasefire could help create conditions for constructive engagement and improved civilian security.

Lubanga, a former warlord who was convicted by the International Criminal Court in 2012 for recruiting and using children under 15 in armed conflict, served a 14-year sentence and was released in March 2020.

In March 2025, he established the CRP, a politico-military movement operating in Ituri, with an armed wing known as the Forces for the Popular Revolution (FRP). The movement subsequently aligned itself with the Alliance Fleuve Congo and the March 23 Movement, amid renewed fighting with Congolese government forces.

Although questions remain about ceasefire monitoring and the participation of other armed groups, Lubanga’s latest declaration presents an opening for renewed dialogue. Its lasting value will depend on compliance by the parties and sustained commitment to negotiations.

For communities in eastern DRC that have endured years of violence and displacement, a credible ceasefire and meaningful dialogue could mark an important step towards peace, stability and recovery.