M23 Rebels Declare Unilateral Ceasefire in Eastern Congo After Deadly Clashes

The ceasefire follows intense fighting in Goma, leaving over 900 dead and thousands injured, as regional leaders prepare for a diplomatic summit.

The M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire starting February 4, citing humanitarian concerns after taking control of Goma, a key city in eastern Congo.
At least 900 bodies have been recovered in Goma following days of heavy fighting, with nearly 2,900 people reported injured, according to UN and local authorities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies; international calls for sanctions against Rwanda have intensified.
A regional summit in Tanzania later this week will bring together leaders, including Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, to discuss the escalating crisis.
The conflict threatens further destabilization in the resource-rich region, with M23 controlling large swathes of territory and raising concerns about a potential advance on other key cities.