M23 rebels declare ceasefire in Eastern Congo amid humanitarian crisis

The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has declared a unilateral ceasefire in Goma, a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing humanitarian concerns. The announcement, made on Monday, comes amid growing calls for safe aid delivery and relief for hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals.

Goma, a resource-rich but conflict-stricken city, remains under rebel control, with no immediate response from the Congolese government regarding the ceasefire declaration.

 

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned of rising health risks, while noting that economic activity in the region has started to resume. However, essential services, including schools and banks, remain closed, and food shortages persist.

 

The ceasefire, set to take effect on Tuesday, was announced by a coalition of armed factions operating in eastern DRC, known as the Congo River Alliance. The group, which includes M23 rebels, stated that their decision was driven by “humanitarian reasons” following significant territorial gains in the region.

 

The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences, with the U.N. reporting at least 900 deaths and 2,880 injuries in recent violence surrounding Goma. The G7 nations and the European Union have condemned the rebel offensive, calling it a direct violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty.

 

The rebel alliance has accused the Congolese military of conducting airstrikes in areas under their control, leading to civilian casualties. While the group has previously been accused of seeking to expand its territory, it now claims to have no such intentions and insists that its priority is protecting civilians.

 

The war-torn region has witnessed massive displacement over the past three years, with over 400,000 people forced from their homes since the beginning of 2025, according to the U.N. refugee agency.

 

Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, when questioned about his country’s involvement in DR Congo, stated that he was unsure whether Rwandan troops were present in the neighboring nation. However, he affirmed Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its interests.

“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 told CNN on Monday.

 

Amid rising tensions, human rights organizations are calling for greater pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its alleged support for the rebels. DR Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, has urged the international community to take decisive action against Rwanda, including imposing sanctions.

 

“A strong decision must be taken—not only to condemn, but to stop what Rwanda is doing. If you want to preserve peace in Africa and in our region, sanctions are the minimum,” Muyaya told Reuters.

The situation remains tense, with global leaders watching closely as the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold.