Rwanda-backed rebels gained ground in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday despite the unilateral ceasefire they declared earlier this week taking control of a town 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the provincial capital of Bukavu.
Goma remains “under occupation” by DRC’s M23 rebels and the ceasefire they announced has been broken as their forces engage in heavy fighting along route to a major city. M23 rebels are now approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Bukavu.
The M23 rebels announced the ceasefire on humanitarian grounds after pleas for the safe passage of aid and hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
DRC’s government has described the ceasefire as “false communication,” and the United Nations has noted reports of heavy fighting with Congolese forces in the mineral-rich region.
Van de Perre said all exit routes from Goma and its airport are under control of the M23 and Rwandan military forces backing them, and movements of the UN peacekeeping force known as MONUSCO in the city have been restricted.
The United Nations is also “gravely concerned” at losing Bukavu’s Kavumu airport, which is now used by DRC’s military.
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