M23 rebels in eastern Congo announced a unilateral ceasefire while continuing to control Goma. The recent fighting has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. The rebels aim to protect civilians amid ongoing tensions, with external influences complicating the situation.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, declared a unilateral ceasefire on Monday for humanitarian reasons, despite maintaining control over Goma, a key city rich in mineral resources. This comes amid reports of at least 900 fatalities from recent clashes between M23 and Congolese forces after the capture of Goma, home to around 2 million residents.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has roots in a prolonged ethnic strife, significantly involving groups like the M23, which claim to protect the Tutsi population. The region is characterized by a complex interplay of over a hundred armed groups fighting for control. Tensions further escalate with the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops supporting the M23, a stark increase from their prior involvement in 2012’s brief siege. Such dynamics are exacerbated by claims of persecution stemming from historical conflicts, notably the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The declaration of a ceasefire by the M23 rebels is juxtaposed with their ongoing control of Goma and plans to advance further into Congo, which raises concerns over the humanitarian situation. While the ceasefire declaration reflects a commitment to protect civilians, the situation remains volatile as the region struggles with historical ethnic conflicts and the impact of external support.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
