The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Monday, citing humanitarian reasons following intense fighting that led to the capture of Goma.
The ceasefire, set to begin Tuesday, comes after a week of clashes that left an estimated 900 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, according to the United Nations.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) said in a statement posted on X that the ceasefire aims to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.
“In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the regime in Kinshasa, we declare a ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” the statement read.
The DRC government has not yet commented on the ceasefire, and it remains unclear if the Congolese military will honor the pause in fighting.
After capturing Goma, a key city of two million people known for its mineral wealth, M23 had begun advancing toward Bukavu, another strategic hub in eastern DRC. However, in their latest statement, the group said it would not attack the provincial city.
“We have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we will continue to defend our positions and protect civilians,” M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said.
The conflict has intensified over recent weeks, with the UN reporting that at least 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma. Authorities estimate nearly 2,900 people have been injured.
The ongoing violence has triggered calls for a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to escape the conflict zone. The UN and humanitarian organizations have warned of worsening conditions, as thousands remain trapped without access to food, water, and medical aid.
The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of a regional summit this weekend, where DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are expected to attend peace negotiations.
Previous talks have failed to produce a lasting resolution. However, Kenya, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the East African Community, has expressed optimism that negotiations may move forward.
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) have urged all parties involved to return to peace talks and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid to affected civilians.
The M23 rebellion is part of a decades-long conflict in eastern Congo, tied to ethnic tensions and disputes over the region’s vast mineral resources. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies.
As the ceasefire takes effect, it remains uncertain whether fighting will fully subside or if peace negotiations will lead to a long-term resolution to the conflict.
