The M23 rebel group in eastern DRC has declared a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian reasons after significant casualties during recent fighting. While controlling Goma, they deny intentions to capture Bukavu yet aspire to protect civilians amidst ongoing regional discussions for peace. The G7 has called for expedited aid while DRC remains open to dialogue contingent on prior agreements.
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, which controls Goma in eastern DRC, has announced a unilateral ceasefire beginning Tuesday for humanitarian reasons, responding to the urgent need for aid amid mass displacements and prior conflicts. This declaration follows a recent episode of violence that left around 900 dead and comes as regional leaders prepare for a summit to discuss the escalating crisis.
Despite their recent territorial gains, including advances towards Bukavu, the M23 stipulates their goal is not to capture this provincial capital. M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka assured their intention to safeguard civilians while maintaining their controlled positions. However, he notably expressed earlier ambitions to march to Kinshasa, the nation’s capital, located a thousand miles away.
The announcement of a ceasefire is timely, coinciding with calls from the regional groupings of southern and eastern Africa for peace negotiations. Kenya’s President William Ruto mentioned that the leaders of DRC and Rwanda are expected to attend discussions focused on resolving this conflict, which has roots in a prolonged ethnic struggle.
The G7 foreign ministers have emphasized the necessity for a rapid and safe humanitarian corridor for those affected. Meanwhile, authorities in DRC are willing to engage in peace talks but emphasize the importance of adhering to previous agreements that they claim Rwanda and the M23 have not fulfilled.
M23 operates with heavy support from an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, significantly more than during their earlier incursion in 2012. They represent a powerful force among over 100 armed groups in eastern DRC, a region rich in valuable minerals essential for global technology. The ongoing fighting has led to further displacements, forcing many families to flee and seek refuge in Rwanda, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has complex roots tied to historical ethnic tensions, notably between the Hutu and Tutsi communities since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The M23 group ostensibly defends Tutsi rights in DRC, while also being accused of contributing to violence in the region. Since their re-emergence, the group, backed by Rwanda, has gained substantial control, primarily due to the region’s mineral wealth and longstanding grievances against the Congolese government regarding prior peace agreements.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by the M23 rebel group marks a potential shift towards addressing humanitarian needs in the DRC amid ongoing violence and military tensions. With international and regional calls for negotiation, the situation remains precarious, characterized by complex ethnic conflicts and the necessity for sustained peace efforts. The involvement of external forces, notably from Rwanda, further intensifies this multifaceted crisis, underscoring the urgency for dialogue and humanitarian aid.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
