thumb

BREAKING: M23 Declares Ceasefire

GOMA – The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has announced a ceasefire effective February 4, 2025, citing humanitarian concerns amid ongoing clashes with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

In an official communiqué dated February 3, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) condemned the Kinshasa government for what it described as a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Keep Reading

The statement, signed by AFC/M23 digital communication focal point, Lawrence Kanyuka, criticised the FARDC's continued use of military aircraft at Kavumu Airport to launch bomb attacks on areas under M23 control.

“We condemn the FARDC's continued use of military aircraft at Kavumu Airport, where they load bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas,” Kanyuka said.

The group also dismissed allegations of plans to capture Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province, emphasising that its focus remains on defending civilians and its territorial positions.

“It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas," he said.

Last weekend, M23 political head Corneille Nangaa addressed the media in Goma and indicated that his forces would March southwards into Kinshasa "until all of DR Congo is liberated".

In response, the Kinshasa government vowed decisive offensive to flush the rebels out of North Kivu.

Kanyuka said their commitment now is "protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions".

Additionally, M23 renewed its call for the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), arguing that the regional force’s presence is no longer justified.

This ceasefire declaration comes amid intensifying conflict in North Kivu Province, where M23 has been engaged in fierce battles with Congolese forces and their allies.

The rebel group, which seized the strategic city of Goma in 2012 before withdrawing under international pressure, has launched a new offensive in recent years, capturing key towns and displacing thousands of civilians.

Despite multiple ceasefires brokered by regional leaders, fighting has continued, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The Kinshasa government has accused M23 of receiving support from Rwanda, allegations both the group and Kigali deny.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, it remains unclear whether the FARDC and its allies will reciprocate, or if this will mark another short-lived truce in the protracted conflict plaguing eastern DRC.

M23, named after a failed 2009 peace agreement, is composed of former Congolese army officers who rebelled against the government, citing discrimination and broken promises.

The group gained global attention in 2012 after briefly occupying Goma, a major economic and logistical hub in eastern DR Congo.

Although it was defeated and exiled in 2013, M23 re-emerged in late 2021, reigniting hostilities in the region.

With the situation remaining volatile, all eyes are now on Kinshasa’s response to the ceasefire declaration and the broader implications for regional peace efforts.

Author
Felix Biryomumaisho
cover