The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced an immediate ceasefire set to take effect on February 4, 2025.
The group, which has been a dominant player in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) long-standing conflict, cited humanitarian concerns as the reason for this decision.
In an official document dated February 3, 2025, AFC/M23 declared that the ceasefire is a response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis allegedly caused by the Kinshasa regime.
The message, signed by Lawrence Kanyuka, the Communication Focal-Point of AFC, also contained strong accusations against the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC), claiming they are using military aircraft at Kavumu Airport to bomb areas under AFC/M23 control.
“We condemn the FARDC’s continued use of military aircraft at Kavumu Airport, where they load bombs that kill our compatriots in liberated areas,” the statement reads.
The group insists that they have no intention of capturing Bukavu or expanding their hold, yet their recent movements suggest otherwise.
Political analysts believe this ceasefire could be a strategic pause to give chance to regroup, rearm, and reassess their position without pressure from ongoing battles.
Others argue that international diplomatic efforts and potential backdoor negotiations may be at play, pushing the AFC/M23 towards this decision.
AFC/M23’s demand for SAMIDRC (Southern African Military Intervention in DRC) to withdraw its forces raises another red flag.
The group has repeatedly called for foreign military forces to leave the DRC.
Additionally, the DRC government has yet to respond officially to the ceasefire declaration.
The people of the DRC have lived through too many broken promises and failed peace deals to take this ceasefire at face value.
While a halt in fighting always brings a glimmer of hope, history has shown that such truces often mask deeper political and military calculations.
