The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of armed groups that includes the M23 rebel movement, has declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, effective February 4, 2025. The announcement was made in an official statement on Monday.
The group emphasized that the ceasefire was in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which it attributed to the Kinshasa government. In a communiqué issued on February 3, M23 reiterated its commitment to safeguarding 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.
The ceasefire declaration follows escalating regional tensions, particularly after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to reinforce South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). This decision came after 14 South African soldiers were killed in recent clashes.
President Ramaphosa strongly condemned the attacks and called for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from Congolese territory, accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebellion—an allegation Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
Meanwhile, Western nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have intensified pressure on Rwanda, demanding an end to its alleged military involvement in the conflict. The UK, in particular, warned that Kigali risks losing its annual $1 billion in global aid if Rwandan troops do not withdraw from the DRC.
Addressing speculation over its territorial ambitions, M23 denied any intention of seizing Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu, despite 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 group stated.
The ceasefire comes amid growing international concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional crisis, further destabilizing the already volatile eastern DRC.
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