Ceasefire Call in Eastern DRC Amidst Rising Violence
In the DRC, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) has called for a humanitarian ceasefire after intense fighting with the Congolese military resulted in hundreds of deaths. Accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels add to the conflict’s complexity. Despite previous failures in ceasefire agreements, the rebels now claim to prioritize civilian protection while unsure if the Congolese army will agree to the truce.
In light of escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group, has called for a humanitarian ceasefire. This plea follows intense battles with the Congolese military that have resulted in hundreds of fatalities. The truce is set to begin Tuesday, with the rebels citing a humanitarian crisis instigated by the DRC government.
Tensions are strained further by accusations against Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels. Doubts regarding the sincerity of the ceasefire have been expressed by Congolese military officials, with General Sylvain Ekenge suggesting that the call is more for international attention than a genuine desire for peace. Previous ceasefire attempts have also failed.
Estimates indicate that between 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are providing assistance to the M23 group. DRC President Felix Tshisekedi condemned M23, regarding them as a pawn of Rwanda, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame claimed ignorance about the presence of Rwandan troops in the region.
As fighting intensified last week, the conflict claimed numerous lives, including those of foreign peacekeepers, while forcing thousands of local residents to flee. The United Nations has reported recovering at least 900 bodies in Goma, along with nearly 3,000 individuals injured since late January, stressing that healthcare facilities are severely overwhelmed.
Despite their earlier intentions to expand control, the AFC asserts a commitment to safeguarding civilians in Goma and has no ambitions to capture additional locations, such as Bukavu. This statement marks a notable retreat from their previously stated objective of advancing towards Kinshasa, the national capital. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa previously indicated a desire to reach Kinshasa, stating, “We are going to fight until we get to Kinshasa.”
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is fueled by the activities of various armed groups, most notably the M23 rebels, who have faced allegations of support from Rwanda. This region has experienced a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by violence and displacement. Previous efforts for ceasefires have often resulted in continued hostilities, leading to widespread concerns about civilian safety and a need for effective conflict resolution.
The declaration of a ceasefire by M23 rebels amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC underscores the complex dynamics involving regional politics and humanitarian concerns. While the rebels pledge to protect civilians, skepticism persists regarding the sincerity of their intentions. The situation remains critical, with significant casualties and a pressing need for international attention to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.wral.com
