Rwanda-backed M23 rebels declare ceasefire in Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo declared a unilateral ceasefire, citing humanitarian concerns. The announcement was made yesterday, following deadly clashes last week between the rebels and Congolese forces, which left hundreds of people dead. 

The fighting, which saw the rebels seize Goma and advance on Bukavu, has been fueled by long-standing ethnic tensions. The M23 clarified it has no plans to capture Bukavu. In response to the violence,



regional leaders, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, are planning a summit with Congo and Rwanda’s Presidents.

According to the WHO, over 900 bodies were recovered from the streets of Goma by Friday, following five days of intense fighting in which the rebels took control of the city of the African nation. The fighting also left nearly 2,900 people injured. The Congolese government has not yet commented on the ceasefire.