In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwandan-backed M23 forces have declared a ceasefire, pausing all fighting in the east of the country for humanitarian reasons. The deal, which begins today, comes after at least 900 people were killed as M23 fighters seized the eastern city of Goma over the past week. International groups have called for sanctions and an arms embargo against Rwanda over its support of M23. In an interview with CNN, Rwandan President Paul Kagame claimed he was unaware of any Rwandan military troops fighting in the eastern DRC.
Larry Madowo: “Today, on the 3rd of February, does Rwanda currently have any troops at all in eastern DRC?”
President Paul Kagame: “I don’t know.”
Larry Madowo: “You’re the commander-in-chief.”
President Paul Kagame: “Yeah. There are many things I don’t know.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme says 25.6 million people across the DRC are facing acute food insecurity. Four-and-a-half million children under the age of 5 require treatment for malnutrition.