M23 Rebels in East Congo Declare Humanitarian Ceasefire

nairobi - M23 rebels in East Congo announce ceasefire starting Tuesday in the midst of a humanitarian crisis in Goma.

M23 Rebels Announce Ceasefire

The M23 rebels in East Congo have declared a ceasefire starting Tuesday. The rebels, along with the political movement 'Alliance de Fleuve du Congo', captured the city of Goma last week, leading to over 900 deaths and nearly 3000 injuries. The city of 800,000 residents is now facing severe shortages of water, electricity, and internet.

The unexpected ceasefire, announced early Tuesday morning, raises questions about its sustainability. The Congolese government in Kinshasa has not yet responded, and it remains unclear if the Congolese army will adhere to the ceasefire.

International pressure on M23 and Rwanda, accused by the UN of arming the rebels, is believed to have influenced the ceasefire. President Kagame of Rwanda shares the same ethnic group as M23.

Tanzania has invited the regional blocs to discuss the situation this Friday and Saturday. The UN and other organizations warn of a looming humanitarian crisis in Goma, urging immediate assistance. The G7 has condemned the M23 offensive and called for a ceasefire.

The M23 rebel group, led by ethnic Tutsis, has been in conflict with the Congolese army since 2012 over power and control of mineral-rich areas. Despite their denial of intentions to take over Bukavu, fears of renewed conflict persist.