M23 Rebels Declare Ceasefire Ahead of Regional Peace Talks

Posted on February 4, 2025
by Yashmika Dukaran


The M23 rebel movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has declared a ceasefire, effective immediately, amid ongoing clashes with government forces.

The announcement comes ahead of a high-level meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) leaders, set to take place on Saturday in Tanzania. The summit aims to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, where 14 South African soldiers were recently killed.

Uncertainty remains over when the soldiers’ remains will be repatriated to South Africa. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to provide further details when she addresses a parliamentary committee later today.

The ceasefire and upcoming talks mark a renewed push to de-escalate tensions and seek a lasting resolution to the conflict.