The decision has been made unilaterally and without negotiation with the government, arguing that it is for "humanitarian reasons". Last week the city of Goma was taken over by the rebels and, according to the United Nations, the fighting in that city has caused more than 900 deaths.
23 March Rebels of the armed group of the Democratic Republic of the Congo grant a unilateral ceasefire for "humanitarian reasons". After last week’s takeover of the eastern city of Goma, a temporary halt to the attacks has been announced without agreement with the government.
The militia spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, explained in a note published on Monday that "the humanitarian situation in the country has been caused by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo", accusing it of bombing the rebel-held area with planes. In addition, Kanyuka has stated that they are "committed" to protecting civilians in areas under the armed group.
900 killed and 3,000 wounded
According to information published by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 900 people have been killed in the city since the outbreak of fighting in Goma on 26 January. On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that between 26 and 30 January, almost 3,000 wounded arrived at health centres around the fighting areas.