JUST-IN: Rebels Declare Ceasefire in DR Congo for 'Humanitarian Reasons' Amid Ongoing Crisis
In a surprising turn of events, the alliance of rebel groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), including the notorious Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, has announced a humanitarian ceasefire set to begin on Tuesday.
The move comes after weeks of intense fighting that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.In a statement released on Monday, the rebel coalition, known as the Congo River Alliance, cited “humanitarian reasons” as the driving force behind their decision.
The alliance has been rapidly advancing, capturing strategic territories in eastern DR Congo, particularly around Goma, the region's largest city.
The United Nations reports that recent clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least 900 people, with 2,880 others injured. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply, with more than 400,000 people forced to flee their homes since the start of 2025.
This displacement adds to the already dire conditions faced by millions who have been affected by the ongoing conflict in the region over the past three decades.
“We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” the rebel alliance stated, emphasizing that they do not intend to capture additional territory despite previous threats to expand their control.
The offensive has drawn sharp criticism from the international community. The G7 nations and the European Union have condemned the rebels' actions, labeling them a blatant violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty. Human rights organizations have also intensified calls for stronger measures against external actors allegedly fueling the conflict, particularly Rwanda.
Rwanda’s involvement has been a focal point of the crisis. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, speaking to CNN, gave an ambiguous response regarding the presence of Rwandan troops in DR Congo.
“There are many things I don’t know. But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%,” Kagame stated, further fueling speculation about Rwanda’s direct role in the conflict.
DR Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, has urged the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of destabilizing the region.
“A strong decision must be taken, not only to condemn but to stop what Rwanda is doing. It is not acceptable if you want to preserve peace in Africa and in our region,” Muyaya told Reuters, adding, “Sanctions are the minimum.”
Both the Congolese and Rwandan presidents are scheduled to attend a regional peace summit in Tanzania on Friday. The summit is expected to bring together key stakeholders from across the region in an effort to de-escalate tensions and chart a path toward lasting peace.
However, expectations are tempered by history. Previous peace negotiations have repeatedly collapsed, and with 30 years of conflict as a backdrop, any new talks are anticipated to be long and fraught with challenges.The ceasefire declaration offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos, but many observers remain cautious. Whether the Congo River Alliance will honor its commitment, and whether regional and international actors can influence a sustainable peace process, remains to be seen.
As DR Congo continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of war, the world watches closely, hoping that this ceasefire marks the beginning of an end to one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Daily West Nile News
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