According to reports, the tusi led m23 have declared a unilateral ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, which came into effect on Tuesday, though Goma, which is worth trillions of dollars in mineral wealth will remain under their control.
Reportedly, according to the u.n. at least 900 people have died, while Congo’s communications minister said 2000 people are waiting to be buried in Goma; and many residents have fled to nearby Rwanda because of the conflict.
According to the report, in a statement on Monday, g7 nations called for a rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians, and a joint summit is scheduled for this week by representatives for southern and eastern Africa who have called for a ceasefire, the presidents of the democratic republic of the Congo and Rwanda will attend.
Reportedly, a spokesperson for drC said they are open to talks to resolve the conflict but that should be done within the context of previous peace agreements. According to the report, Rwanda and m23 have accused the drC of failing to fulfil previous peace deals such as integrating tutsis into administration.
Reportedly, according to the u.n. m23 are backed by 4000 troops from Rwanda and are the strongest of more than 100 armed groups vying for control of the gold and coltan rich region. According to the report, they are the latest in a long string of Rwandan supported armed movements to emerge in eastern drC following two wars since the rwandan genocide in 1994 when members of Rwanda’s hutu population killed 800,000 tutsis and their supporters. Reportedly, m23 say they are defending tutsis in drC who are being persecuted.