Rwanda-backed M23 Rebels declare ceasefire amid global pressure

Goma, DRC:- The Congo River Alliance (Alliance Fleuve Congo – AFC/M23), an armed group widely believed to have Rwandan backing, has announced a humanitarian ceasefire starting February 4, 2025, amid mounting international pressure over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In an official communique issued on February 3, Lawrence Kanyuka, AFC/M23 stated that the ceasefire is in response to the suffering of civilians caused by ongoing hostilities.

“The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) hereby informs the public that, In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4th, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” Mr Kanyuka Lawrence, the M23 spokesperson wrote in the communique.

The group accused the Kinshasa government of exacerbating the crisis and condemned the continued military actions of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), particularly their alleged use of aircraft from Lurnu Airport to load bombs targeting territories under M23 control.

“We condemn the FARDC’s continued use of military aircraft at I.urnu Airport, where they load bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas.

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 M23 group reiterated its demand for the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), arguing that “its presence is no longer justified.”

The regional force (SADC) was deployed to assist the Congolese government in stabilizing the volatile east, but its effectiveness has been questioned as clashes between M23 and FARDC continue to displace thousands of civilians.

M23’s declaration of a ceasefire follows increased calls from international actors for an end to the conflict, which has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. The United Nations, African Union, and several Western governments have urged Rwanda to stop supporting M23 and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Kigali of arming and directing M23 rebels, an allegation Rwanda denies. The ongoing violence has strained relations between the two neighbors, with the DRC insisting on stronger regional and international measures against Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame who has frequently denied claims of supporting the M23 on Monday reportedly told CNN he does not know if his country’s troops are in the east of the Congo, where fighting between the M23 armed group and Congolese soldiers has killed hundreds.

While the ceasefire could offer a temporary reprieve for civilians caught in the crossfire, skepticism remains over its implementation. Previous ceasefires declared by M23 have collapsed amid renewed fighting.