M23 Rebels Announce Ceasefire Ahead of Regional Peace Summit

Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have announced a unilateral ceasefire, citing humanitarian concerns following their recent capture of Goma, the main city in eastern DRC.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for a humanitarian corridor to assist those affected by the fighting, which has left at least 900 dead and displaced hundreds of thousands. The rebels, who had been advancing toward Bukavu, stated they had no intention of capturing the provincial city but emphasized their commitment to protecting civilians.
The ceasefire declaration precedes an upcoming regional summit where DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are expected to discuss peace efforts, following previous failed negotiations.
Meanwhile, the UN warns that the true death toll in Goma is likely higher than reported, as bodies continue to be discovered. The decades-long conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions and accusations that Rwanda-backed rebels are exploiting the DRC’s mineral wealth, has left the region in turmoil, with international calls mounting for humanitarian relief and renewed peace talks.