The M23 rebel group has announced a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson. The rebels have called for the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission, which includes troops from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), arguing that their presence is no longer necessary.
The ceasefire declaration comes at a critical moment as Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame prepare to attend a high-level summit on Saturday to discuss the crisis. The two-day meeting, hosted by eastern and southern African nations, will begin on Friday in Tanzania, as confirmed by Kenya’s presidency. Both leaders have previously been absent from diplomatic efforts to resolve the escalating violence, raising hopes that their participation may mark a turning point in the region’s long-standing instability.
The latest wave of conflict has seen M23 fighters, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, make significant territorial gains. Last week, the rebels captured the strategic city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and have since vowed to advance towards Kinshasa. With tensions reaching a boiling point, President Tshisekedi has promised a “vigorous” military response and called on the international community to impose sanctions on Rwanda. Meanwhile, M23 forces have pushed further into South Kivu, threatening Bukavu, the region’s main city.
The humanitarian toll of the fighting has been devastating, with thousands displaced and the region’s already fragile infrastructure further destabilised. Eastern DRC has long been plagued by conflict, with various armed groups vying for control over its vast mineral wealth, which is essential for global technology industries. The latest offensive has only exacerbated the suffering of civilians, many of whom have endured decades of violence and displacement.
In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the DRC despite mounting domestic pressure to withdraw troops. The deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers in the conflict have fuelled public outcry, with calls for the government to reconsider its involvement. However, Ramaphosa has insisted that South Africa remains dedicated to its peacekeeping obligations and to stabilising the region.
While the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, its durability remains uncertain. With the summit on the horizon, the international community will be watching closely to see whether this marks a genuine step towards peace or merely a pause in an ever-deepening crisis.
