• The M23 rebel group has declared a unilateral ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) starting February 4, 2025.
• This ceasefire is intended to address the humanitarian crisis following recent violence in Goma, where at least 900 people have been reported killed.
• The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of a regional summit, where discussions about a resolution to the conflict may take place.
• Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, prompting calls for a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for affected individuals.

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has announced a unilateral ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, set to take effect from February 4, 2025. The declaration comes in response to a significant humanitarian crisis that has arisen from the ongoing conflicts, particularly following the recent seizure of the city of Goma, where a tragic death toll has escalated. The United Nations reported that at least 900 people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced as fighting erupted between the rebels and Congolese military forces.

In a statement released on social media, the rebels, formally known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), mentioned that the ceasefire aims to provide relief amid the ongoing humanitarian disaster. Their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, emphasized that the group does not intend to widen their territorial control, stating, "It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas. However, we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions," reinforcing the group's assertions despite past ambitions to take further ground, including Goma and potentially the capital, Kinshasa. The announcement also follows concerns about calls for the establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor for fleeing civilians.

The humanitarian crisis has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee once more, adding to the dire displacement situation that has plagued the region for years. Many displaced individuals have sought refuge in neighboring Rwanda, exacerbating the regional humanitarian needs. Just last week, reports indicated that the fighting wreaked havoc not only on the civilian population but also embedded deeper ethnic tensions linked to the decades-long strife in the region. The M23 claims to be defending the Tutsi community in Congo, which has faced historical persecution, notably post-genocide when many Tutsis fled to the DRC amidst the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

As international pressure mounts, foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have urged all parties to return to the negotiation table, facilitating a safe passage for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. Observers are looking towards a summit that includes the presidents of DRC and Rwanda, a critical forum aimed at fostering dialogue and potentially stabilizing the situation in this mineral-rich but war-torn nation. With vast deposits of rare earths necessary for global technology, the strategic interests and humanitarian considerations will weigh heavily in any forthcoming discussions.

For further information, you can read the full articles from Al Jazeera, BBC, Le Monde, and The Guardian.