M23 Rebels Declare Unilateral "Compassionate Ceasefire" in Eastern Congo
The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and M23 rebel coalition announced a unilateral ceasefire on August 9, stating they would maintain current positions in Goma but would not advance on Bukavu. Despite the declaration, DRC Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya presented evidence in Ottawa of alleged war crimes committed by Rwandan and M23 forces. Planned direct negotiations in Angola between the Congolese government and the rebels were canceled on August 10 due to "unforeseen circumstances" according to the Angolan Foreign Ministry.
Date: August 9, 2026
Location: North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Conflict: M23 Rebellion
Category: diplomacy
Severity: MEDIUM
Source: DRC News Today