DR Congo rebels ready for ceasefire – spokesman — RT Africa

“In these circumstances, AFC/M23 reserves the right to defend itself and ensure the protection of civilian populations, victims of recurring violence orchestrated by the coalition forces of DRC government,” it declared.

The former Belgian colony’s resource-rich east has been plagued by decades of violence, with dozens of armed groups, including M23, fighting the local authorities for power and minerals such as gold and diamonds. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of supporting the militants – a claim Kigali denies.

In the latest flare-up of their offensive, the rebels have seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, the major city in South Kivu. According to the UN, the M23 has appointed de facto authorities, including a governor and mayor in Goma.

On Saturday, Tina Salama, spokesperson for Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, said the leader will form a government of national unity and make changes in the leadership of the ruling Sacred Union coalition amid the security crisis.

The AU recently warned that the DR Congo could break up if the conflict is not resolved, while the UN fears regional escalation of hostilities.

On Friday, the UN Security Council passed a resolution, demanding that the M23 immediately cease hostilities, withdraw from all areas that it controls, “and fully reverse the establishment of illegitimate parallel administrations in the DRC territory.”