The alliance of rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting on Tuesday.
In a statement, the group —which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels cited “humanitarian reasons” for the ceasefire, after capturing territory in eastern parts of the country.
The UN said at least 900 people have been killed and 2,880 injured in recent fighting in and around Goma, DRC's largest eastern city, after it was seized by rebels.
The G7 nations and the EU have condemned the offensive as a flagrant violation of DRC's sovereignty.
The alliance of rebel groups known as the Congo River Alliance has accused the Congolese military of killing people using aircrafts to bomb areas it holds. It added it does not intend to seize any further territory, despite saying otherwise last week, and it will hold its positions.
In a statement, the alliance said, “We reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions.”
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