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Red Cross members bury victims of the conflict in a mass grave. AFP
Congolese Rebels Announce Ceasefire for 'Humanitarian Reasons'

Congolese Rebels Announce Ceasefire for 'Humanitarian Reasons'

The M23 offensive, which has captured the city of Goma, may conceal an interest in controlling the country's rich mineral resources.

Gerardo Elorriaga

Martes, 4 de febrero 2025, 20:16

Congolese rebel groups controlling the city of Goma announced a ceasefire yesterday for 'humanitarian reasons'. This move could precede negotiations between the Kinshasa government, the M23 rebel militia, and Rwanda, which has supported the latter's offensive. It appears this military operation is a strategic maneuver to secure a more favorable distribution of the region's mining resources for the parties involved.

The cessation of hostilities comes as an attack on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu with over a million residents, was anticipated. The unilateral decision coincides with official reports of over 2,000 deaths and 2,880 injuries during the capture of Goma last week. Previously, UN sources reported 900 fatalities.

The measure contrasts with statements from Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, a network of opposition groups including the M23. In a press conference, he expressed his ambitious intention to march westward to overthrow the national government.

This initiative does not align with the interests of the organization, linked to the Great Lakes area. Founded in 2000, the entity initially aimed to confront its enemies, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which emerged among Hutu refugee groups.

Accusations are exchanged. The new authorities blame the Congolese army for indiscriminate bombing of occupied areas, causing further civilian casualties. Moreover, humanitarian organizations report that around 400,000 people have fled their homes in the past month, threatened by the proximity of fighting.

Rwanda's Role

The Kinshasa government calls on the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of providing tactical support to the M23, composed of guerrillas from the Tutsi community, the same as the ruling class of the neighboring country. The militia followed the same tactic as in 2012, when they captured Goma, which remained under their control for ten days. At that time, the agreement provided for the integration of the rebels into the regular troops.

The conflict is undoubtedly instigated by a foreign agent. The Kigali regime has benefited from the region's instability to control mineral extraction through proxy militias. However, this time it is attributed with direct intervention through the deployment of 4,000 soldiers. Initial talks between the adversaries could occur within just 48 hours. Rwandan President Jean Paul Kagame and Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi will participate in a regional summit on Friday in the Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam.

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todoalicante Congolese Rebels Announce Ceasefire for 'Humanitarian Reasons'