The Democratic Republic of Congo has called for the immediate withdrawal of M23 rebels and Rwandan forces from the eastern city of Goma. Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner stressed the need for “concrete action,” dismissing the unilateral ceasefire declared by M23 as potentially superficial. “What really this means is to have the evidence that this is not a cosmetic fix,” she told South African broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
M23 announced a ceasefire on Monday following two weeks of clashes with the Congolese army over control of Goma. According to the UN, the fighting has resulted in over 900 deaths and nearly 2,900 injuries. Wagner emphasized that demilitarizing Goma is essential to restoring humanitarian aid, accusing Rwandan forces and M23 of cutting off water, electricity, and access roads to the city. Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, when questioned by CNN, neither confirmed nor denied the presence of his country’s troops in Goma, despite persistent allegations from Kinshasa.
M23 claims its armed struggle stems from discrimination against Tutsi communities in the region. However, the Congolese government remains skeptical of the ceasefire. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya dismissed M23’s declaration as “false communication,” asserting that Kinshasa is determined to reclaim Goma. “All we are waiting for is the withdrawal of the M23,” he stated.
