The M23 rebel group’s declared ceasefire in eastern DRC has been labeled a “ploy” by government spokesman Patrick Muyaya following a new offensive. Ongoing conflicts, systematic ceasefire violations, and lack of international action have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Regional diplomatic efforts are being planned amidst the escalating violence.
Following a recent offensive on Goma, the M23 rebel group declared a unilateral ceasefire intended to support humanitarian efforts. However, the Congolese government quickly dismissed this halt in violence as a mere “ploy” when the M23, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, launched a new attack at dawn. Congolese spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated that this sequence of events underscores the unreliability of past ceasefires that have consistently been violated.
The situation escalated early Wednesday with intense fighting reported between M23 and Congolese armed forces, highlighting the ongoing tensions in eastern DRC. This is indicative of a troubling trend, as more than half a dozen ceasefires have been announced over three years, only to be systematically disregarded. As violence continues to rise, officials are calling for international attention to the crisis.
DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner voiced frustration regarding the lack of actionable international support, emphasizing the need for concrete actions rather than verbal statements. With DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame set to attend a summit in Tanzania, regional diplomatic efforts are underway to address the conflict. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court is monitoring the violence in eastern DRC, with a focus on the surge around Goma.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been characterized by the involvement of armed groups, notably the M23, which has a history of receiving support from Rwanda. The area has seen continuous violence over the last several years, with multiple ceasefires being declared and subsequently broken. The humanitarian situation remains critical as the international community grapples with its response to the escalating violence, particularly in North Kivu, where Goma is located.
The situation in eastern DRC remains precarious, with the recent declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by M23 denounced by government officials as a deceptive strategy. The outbreak of renewed hostilities calls into question the effectiveness of past ceasefire agreements, and significant international concern is evident as the violence continues to impact local populations. Ongoing diplomatic discussions aim to address the unrest, but concrete actions are still awaited.
Original Source: www.france24.com
