M23 rebels declare ceasefire in Goma amidst humanitarian crisis

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Goma, DR Congo – The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has announced a unilateral ceasefire in Goma, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, citing humanitarian concerns. The decision, made public on Monday, aims to allow safe passage for aid and address the dire needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals. 

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com 

The city, located in a mineral-rich region, remains under rebel control, with no immediate response from the Congolese government regarding the ceasefire declaration.

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, reporting that at least 900 people have died and nearly 3,000 have been injured in the recent violence.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that while some economic activities are resuming, schools and banks remain closed, and food shortages persist. Meanwhile, the G7 nations and the European Union have condemned the rebel offensive as a violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty, while the coalition of rebel factions, known as the Congo River Alliance, accused the Congolese military of aerial bombardments causing civilian casualties.

As the conflict continues, international pressure on Rwanda is mounting. DR Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, has called for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing the country of fueling instability in the region.

While Rwandan President Paul Kagame has not explicitly confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops in DR Congo, he asserted that Rwanda would take all necessary measures to protect itself.

With over 400,000 people displaced since the beginning of 2025, human rights organizations are urging for decisive action to prevent further humanitarian deterioration.