The M23 rebels, who took control of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) last week, have declared a unilateral ceasefire starting Tuesday, citing “humanitarian reasons.”
The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of militias which includes M23, made the announcement following growing calls for safe corridors to deliver aid and essential supplies to the city.
The UN reported that at least 900 people died in the recent fighting between M23 and Congolese forces, while aid warehouses were looted, and medical care was scarce, increasing the risks of disease outbreaks such as mpox, cholera, and measles.
Goma, a key city and humanitarian hub with a population of 2 million, is located in a mineral-rich region of the DRC.
Hospitals were overwhelmed by casualties, and over 300,000 displaced people fled from surrounding camps. M23 has been advancing toward Bukavu but stated it has no plans to capture additional territory.
M23 is supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, and Rwanda’s interest is reportedly to eliminate fighters linked to the 1994 genocide, though critics claim Rwanda uses the group to secure valuable minerals.
The DRC and several UN reports accuse Rwanda of exploiting the rebels for mineral extraction. A regional summit in Tanzania is scheduled to address the conflict.
The G7 foreign ministers have urged a return to negotiations and safe humanitarian passage.
Despite M23’s advance toward Bukavu, the group stated it has no plans to seize further territory.
“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions,” the group said in a statement.
