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Rebel groups controlling large parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a humanitarian ceasefire, set to begin on Tuesday, in an effort to allow humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the ongoing conflict.
The announcement follows increasing international calls for a pause in hostilities, as clashes between armed groups and government forces have led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies.
The group, including the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda, issued a statement declaring a ceasefire, attributing the decision to “humanitarian reasons” after their successful territorial gains in eastern parts of the country.
The United Nations has reported that over 900 people have been killed and nearly 3,000 injured in the intense fighting around Goma, DR Congo’s largest eastern city, after it fell into the hands of rebel forces.
The European Union and the G7 nations have condemned the military offensive, describing it as a clear violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty.
The Congo River Alliance, comprising several rebel factions, has alleged that the Congolese military has been conducting airstrikes on their strongholds, leading to widespread civilian deaths.
While it had expressed plans to expand its control last week, the group now states that it will not seek to seize more territory and will instead consolidate its hold on existing positions.
In a statement, the alliance said: “We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.”
Read also: Congo Rebel Alliance Declares Ceasefire After Killings
Regional fighting has seen hundreds of thousands of people displaced over the last three years. Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been forced from their homes, according to the UN’s refugee agency.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame – who is also commander-in-chief of the Rwanda Defence Force – said he did not know if his country’s troops were in the DR Congo.
“There are many things I don’t know. But if you want to ask me, is there a problem in Congo that concerns Rwanda? And that Rwanda would do anything to protect itself? I’d say 100%,” he told the press on Monday.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have been calling for more pressure on Rwanda to back down.
The DR Congo’s communications minister called for the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda.
“A strong decision (must be taken) not only to condemn, but to stop what Rwanda is doing, because it is not acceptable if you want to preserve peace in Africa and in our region,” Patrick Muyaya told Reuters.
“Sanctions are the minimum,” he added.
The Congolese and Rwandan presidents are due to attend a regional peace summit in Tanzania on Friday.
With 30 years of conflict behind them, it is expected that any negotiations if they do not break down – as they have several times in the last year – could go on for months.
