M23 rebels in eastern Congo declared a unilateral ceasefire following intense fighting that left at least 900 dead and nearly 2,900 wounded. They emphasize their commitment to civilian protection despite capturing Goma and advancing toward Bukavu. The conflict is rooted in longstanding ethnic tensions linked to the Rwandan genocide, prompting discussions among regional leaders to address the situation.
On Monday, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo announced a unilateral ceasefire, citing humanitarian reasons. This declaration follows intense fighting that resulted in the deaths of at least 900 people, according to the World Health Organization. After capturing the key city of Goma, the rebels reported their advance toward Bukavu but emphasized their intention not to seize it.
M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka stated, “It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas.” He stressed the rebels’ commitment to safeguarding civilians and their controlled territories. The Congo government has yet to respond to this ceasefire declaration.
The World Health Organization reported that nearly 2,900 individuals were injured during the recent clashes. M23 rebels, significantly reinforced by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, pose a considerable threat among the multitude of armed groups operating in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals vital for global technology.
Hundreds of thousands of residents in Goma, a city of approximately two million, have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence. Many displaced individuals have sought refuge in nearby Rwanda, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo is intertwined with historical ethnic tensions, particularly between Hutus and Tutsis. The M23 rebel group positions itself as a protector of Congolese Tutsis, asserting that they face persecution from Hutu militias associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Following the genocide, many Hutus migrated to Congo and formed the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group accused of infiltrating the Congolese military, claims that the Congolese government denies. Regional efforts are underway to address this conflict, including a summit involving leaders from Congo and Rwanda.
The M23 rebels’ unilateral ceasefire indicates a temporary pause in hostilities amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, where recent clashes have led to significant casualties and displacement. While the rebels claim their focus is on protecting civilians, the deeper ethnic conflict remains unresolved. International attention and regional discussions are critical as leaders aim to navigate the complexities of this protracted violence.
Original Source: www.sootoday.com
