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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24190, member: 2262"] M23 Rebels Declare Ceasefire in Eastern Congo as International Pressure Mounts. The M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo starting February 4, 2025. The rebels cited humanitarian concerns for their decision. The announcement came after South Africa pledged to send more troops to the region. It also followed warnings from Western nations to Rwanda about its alleged support of the rebels. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the group aims to address "the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime." The rebels operate under the name Alliance Fleuve Congo. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier condemned attacks that killed 14 South African soldiers. He demanded Rwanda withdraw its forces from Congo - an accusation Rwanda denies. The United States and the United Kingdom increased pressure on Rwanda to end hostilities. British officials warned Kigali could lose $1 billion in global aid if its troops remained in Congo. M23 denied plans to capture the city of Bukavu despite reports of advancing forces. "We have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas," the group stated. They claimed their focus remains on protecting civilians. Security experts expressed doubt about the ceasefire. A Goma-based analyst suggested armed groups often use such breaks to regroup and strengthen their positions. The rebels accused Congolese forces of bombing civilian areas from Kavumu Airport. They called for the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) to leave Congo, stating the peacekeeping mission "is no longer justified." Regional leaders plan to meet in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to discuss the crisis. The summit includes officials from Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Congo. The U.S. Embassy urged American citizens to leave Kinshasa due to potential unrest. The ongoing conflict has forced millions from their homes, cutting many off from basic services. [/QUOTE]

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