The Congo River Alliance, including M23 rebels, has declared a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern DRC, set to begin on Tuesday, as urgent aid needs rise amid recent fighting. The alliance clarified intentions not to seize Bukavu. With over 900 reported deaths in Goma from recent clashes, the long-standing conflict has deep ethnic and geopolitical roots involving regional tensions with Rwanda.
The Congo River Alliance, comprising various rebel groups including the M23 rebels, has announced a humanitarian ceasefire in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This pause in hostilities is set to commence on Tuesday, following significant displacement of civilians and urgent appeals for aid access. The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, recently captured Goma, the DRC’s key eastern city, which has seen intense fighting resulting in substantial casualties.
The rebel coalition emphasized it does not intend to capture the provincial capital, Bukavu, despite their advances. “We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” stated M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. Meanwhile, Congo’s government has yet to respond publicly to the ceasefire announcement, as regional tensions remain high.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has deep historical roots, stemming from decades of ethnic tension fueled by both internal and external factors. The current strife often involves the M23 group, which claims to protect ethnic Tutsis against ethnic Hutu militias like the FDLR. Rwanda has been accused of backing the M23 in an effort to gain control over valuable mineral resources in eastern Congo, leading to heightened fears of renewed regional conflicts reminiscent of the devastating wars between 1996 and 2003.
The unilateral ceasefire declared by the Congo River Alliance marks a critical development in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. With rising casualties and humanitarian concerns, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The implications of this ceasefire for future negotiations and peace efforts in the region remain uncertain amid long-standing accusations between Congo and Rwanda regarding the conflict’s roots and responsibilities.
Original Source: www.dw.com
