DR Congo rebels say ready for ceasefire and talks to begin

The Congolese rebel coalition Alliance of the Congo River (AFC), which includes the M23 ("March 23 Movement"), has issued a statement of readiness to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the military conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A statement to this effect was posted on social network X (Formerly Twitter) on February 22.

"AFC/M23 reaffirm their commitment to a negotiated solution to the crisis in the DRC and their readiness to discuss an immediate ceasefire," the statement read.

However, the rebels emphasized that "in the face of constant attacks by government forces, the AFC/M23 reserves the right to defend itself and civilians."

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On February 21, Russia supported a draft resolution of the UN Security Council (UNSC), according to which rebels from the M23 group (March 23 Movement) should stop fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and withdraw their units from the country. The situation in the DR Congo escalated after the government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda and accused the country of supporting the rebels who launched a new offensive on the city of Goma.