The Alliance Fleuve Congo has called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the DRC following heavy fighting that has left hundreds dead. Military leaders question the sincerity of this ceasefire, citing ongoing Rwandan support for the M23 rebels. The violence has displaced thousands, raising urgent humanitarian concerns as international response remains crucial to addressing the dire situation on the ground.
A rebel coalition in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire following a week of intense fighting that has resulted in hundreds of casualties. The AFC, which includes the M23 armed group, announced that the truce would commence on Tuesday, citing the dire humanitarian situation caused by the government in Kinshasa.
The Congolese military has previously accused neighboring Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels, raising concerns regarding the credibility of the ceasefire. General Sylvain Ekenge, a military spokesperson, dismissed the rebels’ call for a ceasefire as disingenuous, suggesting that it was a tactic intended for international public relations rather than a genuine effort to halt hostilities.
United Nations experts have indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are actively supporting M23 forces in the eastern DRC. In the past week, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi vowed to take decisive action against M23, whom he described as a puppet of Rwanda. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, however, claimed ignorance of his country’s involvement in the conflict.
Amid escalating tensions, fighting intensified as the rebels moved towards Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, resulting in significant military and civilian casualties, with more than 900 bodies recovered and approximately 2,880 injuries reported. Many locals have been displaced, and humanitarian facilities are overwhelmed, indicating a critical need for medical supplies.
The AFC contended that it had no intentions of extending its conflict to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, despite initial statements regarding the capture of additional territories. They proclaimed their commitment to safeguarding the civilian population amid the ongoing crisis while reframing their position on territorial ambitions. Notably, the group’s rhetoric has shifted with a focus on protecting civilians rather than pursuing broader invasion objectives.
In a marked contrast to previous statements, AFC leader Corneille Nangaa had declared intentions to “fight until we get to Kinshasa” previously, asserting their determination to hold Goma and advance further into the country. Despite this high-stakes rhetoric, the alliance’s current emphasis on ceasefire signifies a potential shift in strategy amid the humanitarian crisis.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been marred by prolonged conflict, with various rebel groups vying for control and engaging in combat with government forces. The M23 rebellion, which surfaced in recent years, has drawn accusations of external support, particularly from Rwanda, complicating the conflict dynamics. The region’s instability has directly resulted in widespread humanitarian crises, including mass displacements and high civilian casualties. Recent calls for ceasefires often arise amid escalated violence, reflecting the dire need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and the restoration of humanitarian conditions.
The recent call for a ceasefire by the AFC amidst significant casualties illustrates both the urgent humanitarian needs and the complexities of the conflict in eastern DRC. While the Congolese government remains skeptical of the rebels’ intentions, international observers may influence future negotiations. Ultimately, the prospects for peace will depend on the cooperation of all parties involved and a commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold.
Original Source: www.wral.com
