The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups including the Rwanda-backed M23, has declared a unilateral ceasefire in eastern DR Congo for humanitarian reasons, effective Tuesday. The ceasefire comes in the wake of intense fighting in Goma—Congo’s largest eastern city—where at least 900 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. Although M23 has made territorial gains in other parts of the region and is advancing toward South Kivu’s capital, Bukavu, the rebel group has stated that it has no intention of capturing new areas. Nevertheless, the group reiterated its commitment to defend its current positions and protect the civilian populations in those areas. While Congo’s government has not yet commented, the ceasefire could pave the way for safer humanitarian aid delivery and renewed peace talks.
Source: DW