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.

The incident was reported last week by journalist Jenofa Berhokoirigoin. He explained that citizens had seized several Western embassies in the Congo at the jo-frontier during protests against M23: "The population has gone out into the streets to denounce the M23 and the support shown by Rwanda and the West to this armed organization. These Congolese provinces are rich in minerals and also have control over these lands at the base of the conflict"

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. For its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that between 26 and 30 January, almost 3,000 wounded arrived at health centres around the fighting areas.