The Congo River Alliance, a rebel coalition that includes the M23 militia, has declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, effective from February 4. The alliance also stated that it has no intention of capturing Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, following its recent seizure of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo.
The ongoing conflict has forced nearly half a million people to flee their homes, escalating fears of a broader regional war reminiscent of those that claimed millions of lives between 1996 and 2003 due to hunger and disease. The situation has drawn strong condemnation from the international community, with the United States and the European Union criticizing Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels. U.N. reports indicate that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops and weapons to aid the Tutsi-led militia.
Congo’s Communications Minister and government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, has called for immediate sanctions against Rwanda, emphasizing that mere condemnation is insufficient. “A strong decision must be taken—not just to condemn, but to stop what Rwanda is doing. Sanctions are the minimum response in the face of a deliberate violation of international law and indiscriminate killings,” Muyaya stated in an interview from Kinshasa.
Rwanda has defended its actions, claiming it is protecting itself from threats posed by Congolese militias. However, it has not directly addressed accusations of deploying troops into Congolese territory.
The humanitarian toll of the fighting continues to rise, with the Congolese health ministry reporting 773 deaths and 2,800 injuries in and around Goma since its capture. On Monday, M23 fighters were seen guarding a cemetery in Goma as local Red Cross workers buried 120 decomposing bodies to alleviate overcrowding in the city's morgues.
As Congolese forces attempt to prevent further rebel advances into South Kivu province, President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend a regional summit on February 7-8, organized by the regional blocs of southern and eastern Africa. Muyaya stressed that while the government is actively pursuing diplomatic and military strategies, it will not allow its people to remain at the mercy of aggressors.
Meanwhile, France has announced plans to propose a draft resolution at the U.N. Security Council aimed at increasing pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.
The situation in eastern Congo remains fragile, with international leaders closely monitoring developments in hopes of preventing further bloodshed and instability in the region.