In an official communiqué issued a day before, M23 claimed that the ceasefire was in response to the 'humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime,' while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilians in areas under its control.
'The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) hereby informs the public that, in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime, it declares a ceasefire starting February 4th, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,' the statement read, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, the Communication focal-point of the AFC.
Addressing widespread concerns over its territorial ambitions, M23 denied having any plans to seize Bukavu, despite recent reports of its forces advancing toward the city.
'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,' the statement continued.
In its communiqué, M23 also condemned the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) for what it described as continued aerial bombardments targeting civilian areas. The rebels criticized military operations conducted from Kavumu Airport, accusing FARDC of loading 'bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas.'
Additionally, the rebels renewed their call for SAMIDRC to withdraw from the DRC, claiming that the regional peacekeeping force's mission is no longer justified.
'We urge SAMIDRC to withdraw its forces from the DRC, as we have repeatedly stated that their mission is no longer justified,' the statement read.
The ceasefire announcement comes ahead of an extraordinary regional summit scheduled in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where leaders from Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and the DRC will meet to discuss the worsening crisis.
Meanwhile, the United States has issued an emergency security alert, advising its citizens to leave Kinshasa amid fears of potential unrest, reflecting growing global concern over the conflict's potential to destabilize the broader region.
IGIHE
