Eastern Congo Rebel Alliance Declares Ceasefire Amid Global Pressure
By Raymond Enoch
The Eastern Congo rebel alliance, including the notorious M23 movement, has declared a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, set to take effect on February 4th ,2025
The announcement, made in a statement by the Congo River Alliance (Alliance Fleuve Congo – AFC), comes amid increasing international pressure and renewed military efforts to stabilize the volatile region.
In the communiqué issued on February 3, AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis as the primary reason for the ceasefire. “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 4, 2025, for humanitarian reasons,” the statement read.
The ceasefire announcement follows a major escalation in the conflict, with M23 rebels seizing Goma—eastern Congo’s largest city—last week. The rebel group also addressed speculation about its territorial ambitions, stating it has “no intention” of capturing Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu. However, observers question the sincerity of the ceasefire, given the timing of the announcement.
The decision coincides with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent declaration that South Africa will reinforce its troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). Additionally, growing diplomatic pressure on Rwanda to withdraw its alleged support for M23 has added to the mounting pressure on the rebels.
Political analysts suggest that the ceasefire may be a strategic maneuver to regroup and assess the shifting military landscape. “The announcement seems calculated,” said Dr. Jean Kalumba, a conflict analyst in Kinshasa. “With South African reinforcements on the way and the international community increasingly pressuring Rwanda, the rebels may be buying time rather than genuinely seeking peace.”
While the ceasefire may offer temporary relief to civilians caught in the crossfire, the humanitarian situation in the region remains dire. The ongoing violence has displaced thousands, and aid agencies warn that without lasting peace, the crisis will continue to escalate.
“The people of eastern Congo have suffered immensely,” said Marie-Therese Mukoko, a humanitarian worker in Goma. “If this ceasefire is genuine, it must be followed by real dialogue and action to protect civilians, not just empty promises.”
The Congolese government has yet to formally respond to the ceasefire announcement, but officials in Kinshasa have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels—a claim Rwanda denies. Meanwhile, regional and international actors continue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
As February 4th ends all eyes are on the rebel alliance and whether they will honor their ceasefire commitment—or if it is merely another chapter in Congo’s long and bloody conflict.
