East of DRC: Civil society demands a central role in peace efforts

Members of the Civil Service for Peace network in DRC, including Voice of the Voiceless, call for greater involvement of civil society in peace initiatives in eastern DRC. They commend ongoing diplomatic efforts but note that the agreements from Washington and Doha have yet to yield tangible results, as violence continues, causing displacement and increased vulnerability, especially among women and children. The ongoing security crisis also affects the local economy, with the closure of banks and universities in affected areas.