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M23 Declares Ceasefire as Regional Summit on DRC Conflict Approaches

The humanitarian truce comes as leaders from the DRC, Rwanda, and regional blocs prepare for critical peace talks in Tanzania.

People who were displaced return home days after the M23 rebel group seized the town of Goma, near Goma, in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, February 3, 2025. REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi/File Photo
Rwandan President Paul Kagame told CNN in an exclusive interview that he doesn't know if his country's troops are in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Overview

  • The M23 rebel group has announced a humanitarian ceasefire in eastern DRC, stating it has no plans to advance further despite recent gains in North Kivu province.
  • Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are expected to participate in a joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit to address the escalating conflict.
  • The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, while Rwanda denies involvement and counters with accusations of Congolese support for anti-Rwandan groups like the FDLR.
  • The ceasefire follows years of failed truces and comes as South Africa and Uganda increase their military involvement in the region, raising fears of broader regional escalation.
  • The summit aims to revive diplomatic efforts, though key disagreements persist, including whether to negotiate directly with M23 or require Rwanda's withdrawal from Congolese territory first.