M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo said they would begin a unilateral ceasefire on Tuesday as the Group of Seven nations demanded that the Rwanda-backed militia halt an offensive that has shaken the eastern part of the country.
After taking the trading hub of Goma last week, M23 has pushed south toward the city of Bukavu in mineral-rich South Kivu province, clashing with Congo’s army as well as its militia allies and raising fears of a regional war.
The group said in a statement Monday that it had “no intention” of taking Bukavu and would begin a ceasefire “for humanitarian reasons.”
At least 900 people were killed and nearly 3 000 wounded in Goma during the assault, the United Nations said Monday. Humanitarian warehouses were looted and the city of 2 million is desperate for fuel and medical supplies, the UN said.
“We urge M23 and the Rwanda Defense Force to cease their offensive in all directions,” the G-7 foreign ministers said in an emailed statement.
G-7 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.
Rwanda denies its troops are in Congo or that it backs the rebels.
M23 claims that it’s protecting the rights of Tutsis and other speakers of the Rwandan language in Congo. The Congolese government says neighboring Rwanda is mainly interested in eastern Congo’s mineral riches, including gold, tin ore and tantalum ore, which is used in most portable electronics.
Leaders from east and southern Africa announced an emergency summit starting Friday in Tanzania to discuss the conflict. At least six African countries have troops fighting in eastern Congo as part of their national armies or peacekeeping forces.
