M23 rebels reaffirm ceasefire, urge DRC government to honour peace agreements
The rebel group also expressed gratitude to regional leaders and international partners for their continuous efforts in facilitating a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has reaffirmed its commitment to a ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling on the government to honour regional peace resolutions and engage in direct political dialogue.
The rebel group also expressed gratitude to regional leaders and international partners for their continuous efforts in facilitating a political resolution to the ongoing conflict.
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In a statement, M23 confirmed its adherence to the unilateral ceasefire declared on February 4, 2025. The group emphasised that this measure was a goodwill gesture aimed at supporting the implementation of resolutions made at key regional summits, including the joint East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit and the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council Summit.
"AFC/M23 reaffirms its commitment to upholding the unilateral ceasefire declared on February 4, 2025. This gesture of goodwill is intended to facilitate the implementation of the conclusions derived from the joint EAC/SADC summit on February 8, 2025, as well as those of the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit on February 14, 2025," the statement read.
The group stressed that these summits highlight the need for a ceasefire and political negotiations between M23 and the Congolese government. It urged the government to honour and fully implement these agreements to create a pathway for lasting peace.
"We hope that the Government will, this time, fully respect and implement these conclusions," the group said.
It reiterated its position that sustainable peace in eastern DRC can only be achieved through direct negotiations that address the root causes of the conflict.
"AFC/M23 reiterates its commitment to resolving the conflict in eastern DRC peacefully through direct dialogue that addresses the root causes of the conflict to establish a lasting peace in our country," the group added.
The DRC government has not yet responded to the latest remarks from AFC/M23.
Meanwhile, the situation in eastern DRC remains tense, with thousands of civilians affected by the ongoing violence despite efforts at regional mediation.
The UN Security Council has unanimously called on anti-government militants in the DRC to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from all the areas they now control.
The call comes as the M23 rebel group expands its control in the eastern part of the conflict-torn central African country.
The rebels entered the centre of Bukavu, a major city, and are rapidly expanding their areas of control.
Humanitarian concerns are also escalating, with Stéphane Dujarric, the secretary-general’s chief spokesman, reporting that aid organisations are facing significant challenges in reaching those in need.
Medical assistance has been hampered by ongoing clashes in South Kivu’s Uvira, and hospitals in the province are overwhelmed with civilian casualties.
In Kalehe territory, fighting has forced more than 50,000 people to flee in the past week, with many seeking refuge in neighbouring Burundi. Since February, over 40,000 Congolese nationals, primarily women and children, have arrived in Burundi seeking protection.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are intensifying. President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC conflict.
Following a phone conversation, both leaders pledged to support diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis, including the appointment of facilitators, enforcement of the ceasefire, and advancing the broader political process toward a lasting resolution.
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