DR Congo Rebels Announce Ceasefire to Ease Humanitarian Conditions
The Congo River Alliance is a coalition of rebel groups including Rwanda-backed M23. For humanitarian reasons, the Congo Doctor announced a unilateral ceasefire in the east, which took effect. The ceasefire comes after fierce battles in Goma, the largest eastern city in Congo, where at least 900 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced. Although M23 has made territorial gains in other parts of the region and is moving towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivo, the rebel group said it has no intention of capturing new territory. However, the organization reiterated its commitment to defend its current position and protecting the civilian population in these areas. Although the Congolese government has not commented yet, the ceasefire could pave the way for safer humanitarian aid delivery and renewal of peace talks.
source: DW
