Observers are approaching the latest truce signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels with great caution, following numerous failed attempts at keeping the peace in the past. The latest peace offensive, brokered in Qatar, comes after thousands of deaths in Congo in recent months alone.

"By mutual agreement, both parties reaffirm their commitment to an immediate cessation of hostilities, categorical rejection of any hate speech and intimidation," read the joint statement released by the two parties on Wednesday.

But amid these tentative hopes for a lasting ceasefire, another development in the country seems to have overshadowed the headlines.

Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was reportedly spotted in recent days in the eastern town of Goma, which has been under the occupation of M23 rebels for several months. This alleged appearance of Kabila in Goma has not only generated a fiery debate on social media, but rumors of his return appear also to have angered the Congolese government.

In response to the reports, the Congolese government decided to suspend Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) and issued travel restrictions on his family and political allies. His political party has not yet commented on the allegations.

But Amani Kakimba, a PPRD supporter, believes the allegations are unfounded. "No one has shown a photo or video proving Kabila's presence here in Goma," Kakimba explained, adding Kabila should be at liberty to return to his country anyway, as there are no reasons for him to hide "as a free man."

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However, the government might view things........

© Deutsche Welle