FDPC rebel group leader Abdoulaye Miskine 3 July signed 2008 Global Peace Agreement with govt in margins of AU summit in Libya. Chad 8 July released CPJP rebel group leader Charles Massi, requiring he negotiates with govt. New electoral commission established following National Assembly’s 27 June approval of new election law; opposition protested govt requirement that commission head be appointed by govt, not elected. U.S., France pledged support for election process. Leader of opposition MLPC Martin Ziguélé, following visit to north west towns, alleged ministry of territorial administration carrying out illegal census, ruling KNK party intimidating local officials.

Coalition of 3 armed rebel groups, Mouvement National, signed peace agreement with govt 24 July in Tripoli - largest of the 3, FSR, thought peripheral to May offensive. Final appointments made to electoral commission (CENI); CENI appointed Ngarmajiel Gami, perceived opposition ally, as commission chair in apparent sign of political opening at centre. But CENI’s instatement postponed by Supreme Court 17 July after main opposition coalition CPDC vowed to boycott sessions until law passed to ease opposition activities. Chad 16 July launched further airstrikes in Darfur, asserting right to pursue rebels but denying its forces attacked Sudanese army or civilians; Sudan 20 July referred issue to UNSC.

National army (FARDC) announced shift from reactive to offensive military operation in S Kivu - part of Kimia II - starting around 10 July in Shabunda and Mwenga territories. FARDC 29 July claimed to have captured FDLR command HQ in 27 July strikes in Kashindaba, claimed 14 rebels killed. FDLR attacks continued over month, with 13 July assault on MONUC and FARDC positions in Mwenga, and on 21 July on FARDC military base in N Kivu town Mandje, near S Kivu border; 24 killed including 16 civilians. UNHCR 24 July announced 35,000 displaced during Kimia II. UNSG in 30 June report called on MONUC to withdraw support from FARDC units responsible for human rights abuses. MONUC chief Alan Doss, briefing UNSC 10 July, announced deployment of 3,000 extra peacekeepers delayed until Oct. Defence Minister 17 July met with Rwandan and Burundian counterparts in Goma to discuss economic and security cooperation. FM Tambwe 24 July announced Congo to send 1st ambassador to Rwanda in over a decade.