GOMA, DRC – A coalition of rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a humanitarian ceasefire starting Tuesday, following weeks of intensified fighting that has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, said it was halting advances for “humanitarian reasons” but would hold its current positions.
The group has rapidly captured territory in the mineral-rich eastern provinces, prompting international condemnation.
The United Nations estimates that at least 900 people have been killed and 2,880 injured in the latest clashes, particularly around Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC.
Since January, more than 400,000 people have been displaced as violence escalates.
The G7 nations and the European Union have denounced the rebel offensive as a blatant violation of DRC’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Congolese officials are urging the international community to take tougher action against Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the insurgents.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied direct involvement in the conflict.
When asked if Rwandan troops were in DRC, President Paul Kagame gave an evasive response in an interview with CNN:
“There are many things I don’t know. But if you ask me whether there is a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda, and whether Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%.”
The rebel alliance has accused Congolese forces of indiscriminately bombing rebel-held areas, further complicating efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
Amid the growing humanitarian crisis, the leaders of DRC and Rwanda are expected to meet at a regional peace summit in Tanzania on Friday.
With over three decades of conflict in the region, past negotiations have frequently collapsed, raising doubts over whether a lasting peace deal can be reached.
The ceasefire announcement, while significant, does not guarantee stability.
The rebels had previously signaled their intent to keep expanding their territory, only to reverse course in this latest statement.
Whether they hold to their word—or if fighting resumes—remains to be seen.
