DRC rebel group, M23 says they are not automatically bound by the DRC-Rwanda ceasefire agreement announced by Angola that is scheduled to start on August 4.
Povonews.com previously reported that Rwanda dismissed the DRC-Rwanda ceasefire arguing they are not at war with their mineral-rich neighbor.
The March 23 Movement (M23) and the Congo River Alliance (AFC) highlighted they were not involved in the Angola peace summit discussions held between July 30 and 31.
(M23) spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka released the following statement on X
Congo River Alliance United, Dignified and Prosperous People
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE OF AUGUST 1st, 2024
- The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 has followed the latest developments aimed at achieving peace within the framework of the Luanda process. The AFC/M23 wishes to congratulate all the actors for their endless work towards a peaceful resolution of the multifaceted crisis in the East Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- The AFC/M23 hereby emphasise that it is not automatically bound by the conclusions of meetings to which it has not attended. The AFC/M23 notes that the coalition forces of the Kinshasa Government have become accustomed to using the various truces and cessations of hostilities to reorganise themselves and continue ethnic cleansing, attacking the martyred population and our forces as their defenders.
- Nevertheless, the AFC/M23 wishes to remind everyone that, as of March 7th, 2023, it declared a unilateral ceasefire to give a chance to find a peaceful solution to the crisis within the framework of regional processes. Since then, the AFC/M23 has only been responding to the attacks by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa Government, within the grounds of legitimate self-defence and to protect threatened civilian populations. The AFC/M23 is therefore ready to respond positively to a change in the posture of the coalition forces of the Kinshasa Government.
- The AFC/M23 reiterates that the only way to achieve a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict is through direct political dialogue with the Kinshasa Government, which addresses the root causes of the recurring conflicts in the Eastern DRC. The Regional Peace Processes offer an ideal framework that must be utilised without any delay to prevent further suffering for our populations.
Bunagana, August 1st, 2024.
By Congo River Alliance (AFC) CO RIVER
AFC ALLIANCE NGO A United People, Dignified Prosperous
Lawrence KANYUKA mmunication Focal-Point
Email: alliancefleuvecongo@gmail.com
Phone: +243 997 730 845
