Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – The M23 rebel group, operating under the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has announced a unilateral ceasefire set to begin on February 4, 2025, citing humanitarian concerns amid the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.
However, the timing of the announcement—following South Africa’s vow to reinforce its troops in the DRC and mounting international pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its forces—has raised questions about the rebels’ true intentions.
In an official communiqué issued on February 3, 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, spokesperson for the AFC.
The ceasefire announcement comes shortly after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to reinforce South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the DRC under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Ramaphosa condemned recent attacks that killed 14 South African soldiers and called for Rwanda to immediately withdraw its forces from Congolese territory, accusing Kigali of backing M23—a charge Rwanda denies.
At the same time, Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have piled pressure on Rwanda to cease hostilities and pull its troops from the DRC.
The international community has increasingly voiced concerns over Rwanda’s alleged involvement, warning that the conflict risks spiraling into a broader regional crisis.
The UK warned Kigali would lose its annual $1bn global aid if Rwandan troops stayed in DRC.
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Tootsie Roll
M23 Denies Plans to Capture Bukavu
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.
However, analysts remain skeptical about M23’s true motives. Many believe the ceasefire could be a tactical move designed to buy time to rearm and restrategize, especially as pressure mounts from regional and international actors.
“Ceasefires are often used by armed groups to regroup and strengthen their positions,” said a regional security analyst based in Goma. “Given M23’s recent territorial gains, this could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate their control while deflecting international criticism.”
Bombardments
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, M23 renewed its 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 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.
