M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have declared a unilateral ceasefire beginning on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, following increasing humanitarian concerns amid their recent offensive. This announcement, made by the M23 group as part of the Congo River Alliance, aims to address the dire situation affecting civilians after their capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, just last week.
The M23's move to halt hostilities has drawn international attention, with the G-7 nations calling for the cessation of violence from both the M23 faction and its backers, particularly Rwanda. The conflict has escalated rapidly, with the rebels pushing southward toward the mineral-rich city of Bukavu, resulting in alarming rates of displacement and casualties. Reports estimate at least 900 fatalities occurred during the latest clashes, as noted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23, emphasized the group's commitment to humanitarian needs, stating, "We have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.” This sentiment echoes the broader calls for peace as humanitarian agencies strive to provide assistance amid the chaos.
K Kenyan President William Ruto announced plans for regional leaders to gather for a summit aimed at addressing the conflict, indicating collaborative efforts to stabilize the eastern DRC. This two-day extraordinary summit, set to take place from Friday, will include Presidents from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, and the DRC itself. The leaders' discussions will focus on the urgent need for dialogue to restore peace and security, reinforcing declarations made earlier by the East African Community (EAC) to cease hostilities.
Since M23 took control of Goma, the humanitarian situation has worsened dramatically. OCHA has reported dire conditions, including bodies lying on the streets of Goma, overwhelmed hospitals treating the injured, and severe water shortages forcing some residents to seek untreated water from Lake Kivu.
“Morgues are at capacity, and humanitarian organizations continue to assess the impact of increased violence,” OCHA reported. The rising death toll and lack of basic services are compounding the difficulties faced by the already vulnerable populations affected by decades of conflict and violence.
Fear persists about the potential for the conflict to escalate beyond DRC’s borders, especially with the historical tension between ethnic groups and the involvement of regional powers. Experts warn of the catastrophic outcomes witnessed during previous regional wars, which left millions dead primarily from hunger and preventable diseases. The long-standing ethnic strife behind this conflict has mostly revolved around the Tutsi and Hutu communities and the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.
Meanwhile, other humanitarian responses are developing. The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported readiness to address the looming food crisis exacerbated by the conflict, where one out of every four people faces acute hunger. “Given the risk of increased displacement, WFP is ensuring readiness in Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania,” the agency noted, indicating proactive steps to manage potential refugee influxes and food insecurity challenges.
The upcoming summit of African leaders is anticipated to be pivotal. With both DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame confirming their attendance, discussions may pave the way for sustained dialogue and potential resolutions to the conflict. Leaders hope to rebuild trust and seek solutions, addressing the grave humanitarian needs and striving for lasting peace.
The situation remains fluid, and as the ceasefire commences, there are hopes for increased dialogue and cessation of hostilities. The international community's role will continue to be significant as observers track the developments and contribute to potential peacebuilding efforts.