M23 Rebels Announce Ceasefire in DRC for Humanitarian Reasons
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have declared a ceasefire in the DRC effective February 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons, following severe violence and casualties in Goma. The rebels reaffirmed their commitment to civilian protection while denying intentions to capture other key regions. This pause in fighting comes ahead of a regional summit, amid continued international calls for negotiations and urgent humanitarian relief.
The M23 armed group, supported by Rwanda, has announced a unilateral ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) effective February 4, 2025, citing humanitarian reasons. This decision follows the group’s recent seizure of Goma, a critical city in eastern DRC, which has led to severe casualties and displacement of civilians, reported by the United Nations to include at least 900 deaths.
M23’s spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, clarified that there is no intention to capture other regions such as Bukavu, asserting their commitment to protect civilians amidst the humanitarian crisis. Despite the ceasefire declaration, the DRC government’s response remains uncertain regarding adherence to the ceasefire by its military.
The announcement coincides with a scheduled regional summit where DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame may attend, despite previous absences in peace talks. Foreign ministers from the G7 have urged the warring parties to engage in negotiations and ensure safe humanitarian access for civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.
The ethnic conflict in the DRC, associated with the M23 group defending the rights of ethnic Tutsis, has resulted in widespread violence and accusations of resource exploitation against Rwanda and M23. As conflicts persist, countless individuals remain displaced and in dire need of humanitarian assistance, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the crisis.
The M23 insurgency in the DRC has its roots in longstanding ethnic tensions, particularly stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in significant refugee movements. Ethnic Tutsis, facing persecution in Rwanda, sought refuge in the DRC, leading to a complex interplay of local and regional conflicts. The DRC government, with its allegations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels, highlights the ongoing struggle over control of DRC’s abundant natural resources, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In conclusion, the unilateral ceasefire declared by M23 rebels in the DRC attempts to address the severe humanitarian fallout from recent conflicts. The uncertain response from the DRC government and the potential for renewed diplomatic efforts at the upcoming summit underscore the fragile situation. Continued international calls for negotiations and humanitarian access remain crucial as the DRC grapples with the fallout from this prolonged conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
