Tue Feb 04 12:50:52 IST 2025: ## M23 Rebels Declare Ceasefire in DR Congo After Goma Seizure
**Kinshasa, DR Congo – February 4, 2025** – The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwandan forces, has announced a unilateral ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), effective immediately. The decision, attributed to humanitarian concerns stemming from the group’s recent seizure of Goma, comes amid mounting international pressure and ahead of a crucial regional summit.
The M23, also known as the Alliance of Congolese Patriots (AFC/M23), claimed responsibility for the capture of Goma last week, resulting in a devastating humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates at least 900 people were killed in the fighting, with hundreds of thousands displaced. Local authorities report nearly 2,900 injured.
Despite having advanced towards Bukavu following the fall of Goma, the M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that the rebels have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. The ceasefire, however, remains unilateral, with no immediate response from the DRC government. The DRC government’s reaction to the ceasefire and whether its military will respect the pause in hostilities remains uncertain.
The announcement comes ahead of a regional summit this weekend, expected to be attended by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Previous attempts at peace talks have failed, but Kenya, which holds the rotating presidency of the East African Community, expresses optimism for the summit’s success.
The G7 foreign ministers have urged all parties to return to negotiations and called for the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected civilians. The ongoing conflict, linked to decades of ethnic tensions and accusations of resource exploitation, has created a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving many in desperate need of assistance. The M23 claims to be defending ethnic Tutsis, while the DRC accuses Rwanda and the rebels of looting the country’s resources.
First Piper 