Ceasefire Announced Amid Rising Casualties in Eastern Congo Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Eastern Congo continues to escalate, with the United Nations reporting that at least 900 bodies have been recovered from the streets of Goma following intense fighting between government forces and the M23 militia. This figure, released on Friday, does not account for those already taken to mortuaries, as stated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to the fatalities, local authorities reported nearly 2,900 injuries over the past week.
In a surprising turn, the M23 rebels declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, effective February 4, 2025. However, uncertainty looms regarding whether the Congolese military will adhere to this ceasefire. In their statement, the militia condemned the military's use of the airport near Bukavu for air strikes against what they termed 'liberated areas.' While the rebels claim not to intend to capture Bukavu, experts fear that a push towards Kavumu airport and a potential takeover of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, might be imminent.
Just over a week ago, the M23 militia launched an attack on Goma in North Kivu province, seizing control after several days of fierce combat with the national army. Believed to be receiving support from neighboring Rwanda, the M23 rebels have long been active in Eastern Congo, gaining control over significant portions of North Kivu province. The rebels have also threatened a march towards Kinshasa, the nation's capital, with intentions to overthrow the current government.
In response to the crisis, Kenya's President William Ruto has convened a regional summit aiming to mediate the conflict. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame confirmed their attendance at the summit, which is set to take place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Ruto expressed optimism in a message on platform X, stating that numerous other heads of state from southern and eastern Africa are expected to participate, emphasizing their collective commitment to restoring security on the continent.
The M23 rebels have been engaged in a protracted struggle against Congolese military forces, largely driven by the quest for access to the country's abundant mineral resources. Eastern Congo is known to be home to some of the rarest and most valuable metals in the world, including coltan, gold, nickel, cobalt, and copper, all of which are mined in large quantities in this resource-rich region. The ongoing conflict underscores the complex interplay of local power struggles, international interests, and the dire humanitarian situation facing the civilian population caught in the crossfire.
Related Sources: