DRC Rejects M23 Rebel Ceasefire as Hoax Amid Escalating Conflict

DRC

UN Warns of Regional War as M23 Rebels Continue Advance in Eastern DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has dismissed the recent ceasefire declaration by the M23 rebel group as a "hoax," citing the continued military actions in the region. This comes after M23 rebels seized another town in eastern DRC, intensifying the ongoing conflict and raising concerns ahead of upcoming mediation talks.

M23 Advances Despite Ceasefire Claim

The M23 rebel group, which the DRC accuses of being backed by Rwanda, has taken control of Nyabibwe, a town on the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. Nyabibwe lies south of Goma, which the M23 captured in late January. Following this, the rebels declared a unilateral ceasefire, supposedly to facilitate peace talks scheduled to take place in Tanzania on February 8, 2025. However, the DRC government believes that the ceasefire is merely a tactic to deceive the international community.

DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner condemned the ceasefire, claiming it was meant to "hoodwink" the world. Wagner pointed out that, instead of withdrawing their forces, the M23 has continued its actions, further complicating the situation. She also threatened the use of force to reclaim Goma if the rebels fail to vacate the area.

Economic and Regional Implications of the Conflict

The UN has highlighted that the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is largely driven by the control of the country’s vast natural resources. Goma, a major mineral trading hub, particularly for tantalum, tin, and tungsten, plays a crucial role in this struggle. In 2023, DRC’s tantalum concentrate production, also known as tantalite or coltan, reached 6,095 tonnes, according to the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative.

The UN also reported that Rubaya, a key coltan mining town controlled by M23 rebels, generates around $800,000 per month in taxes from its mineral production and trade. This economic significance adds to the stakes of the conflict, as control of such resources is vital for the parties involved.

Growing Regional Tensions and International Concerns

While M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka claimed that the group does not plan to expand its territorial control for the time being, the situation remains volatile. The upcoming peace talks, involving Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, are seen as a critical opportunity to address the crisis.

However, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns about the escalating violence, warning that the M23 offensive could lead to a broader regional war. The conflict's impact could extend to the mining regions and potentially affect oil developments in neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. In response to the growing tensions, Uganda has deployed 2,000 soldiers into DRC, adding to the 4,000 troops already stationed in northeast DRC to combat the Islamist group Allied Democratic Forces.