The alliance of rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting on Tuesday.
In a statement, the group – which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels – cited “humanitarian reasons” for the ceasefire after it has been capturing territory in eastern parts of the country.
The UN said at least 900 people have been killed and 2,880 injured in recent fighting in and around Goma, DR Congo’s largest eastern city, after it was seized by rebels.
The G7 nations and the EU have condemned the offensive as a flagrant violation of DR Congo’s sovereignty.
The alliance of rebel groups – known as the Congo River Alliance – has accused the Congolese military of killing people using aircraft to bomb areas it holds.
It added that it does not intend to seize any further territory, despite saying otherwise last week, and it will hold its positions.
In a statement, the alliance said: “We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.”
Regional fighting has seen hundreds of thousands of people displaced over the last three years. Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been forced from their homes, according to the UN’s refugee agency.
BBC Shakirat Sadiq
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