DRC: Goma Residents Divided Over M23 Ceasefire Announcement

The recent M23 ceasefire announcement has sparked mixed reactions among residents of Goma, DRC. Explore the differing perspectives and what this means for the region.

Following the fall of Goma, as the M23 rebellion continues its advance into South Kivu, the group has announced a ceasefire scheduled to commence on Thursday, February 3, 2025. The M23 explained that this decision was made in light of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

Nonetheless, responses in Goma are varied. Some residents view the action as a positive step toward peace, while others express significant doubt about its reliability.

“We’re extremely exhausted,” said Didier Bahati, a resident of Goma. “There are too many innocent victims caught in the crossfire. Frankly, we have serious doubts about this ceasefire.”

For many, the announcement is a beacon of hope. “This ceasefire holds great significance for us,” expressed Kabunga Nelson, another resident of Goma. “It means life can return to normal—no more violence and everyone can go back to their daily routines.”

However, skepticism persists. “Even with the ceasefire in place, conflict endures and people are still suffering,” remarked Byamungu Hangi, a motorcycle taxi driver. “We hear talk of a ceasefire but don’t witness any peace.”

The atmosphere remains tense, as many await to see if the ceasefire will endure or if the conflict will continue.