UN Chief Expresses Alarm Over M23 Offensive in DR Congo Amid…

UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concerns over M23 rebels’ offensive in the DRC, noting it significantly harms civilians and risks regional conflict. He advocated for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the importance of respecting local sovereignty while highlighting Rwandan troops’ alleged support for the rebels. The need for ongoing dialogue to facilitate peace remains crucial amid escalating tensions.

On Thursday, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed serious concern regarding a renewed offensive by M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has resulted in extensive civilian suffering. He highlighted the rebels’ capture of Sake in South Kivu, emphasizing that this escalation increases the threat to Goma, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Rwanda, which is accused of backing the M23 fighters, has denied such involvement.

Since the withdrawal of the UN Mission in June 2024, peacekeepers have been tasked with defending critical positions in North Kivu, including Goma and Sake, amid ongoing clashes involving the M23 and Congolese Armed Forces. Recent violence in Bweremana has reportedly resulted in at least ten fatalities and has caused over 250,000 people to flee to areas like Kalehe and Goma, according to the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO.

The Secretary-General urged the M23 to cease its offensive, withdraw from all occupied territories, and comply with a ceasefire agreement established on July 31, 2024. He also lamented recent findings from the Group of Experts under Security Council resolution 1533, which indicated the presence of Rwandan troops in DRC and their ongoing support of the M23 rebellion.

Mr. Guterres called upon all parties involved in the conflict to respect the sovereignty of the DRC and to stop supporting armed factions, whether local or foreign. He expressed his steadfast support for the Luanda peace process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, aimed at alleviating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, commending the progress achieved thus far.

He emphasized the need for continuous engagement in the Luanda dialogue, urging progress on neutralizing the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces while operationalizing verification mechanisms. The UN chief reiterated the importance of human rights and international humanitarian law, stressing the necessity of unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for affected populations.

Finally, the Secretary-General affirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to its mandate of civilian protection and condemned actions by any party that jeopardizes the safety of UN personnel and civilians, advocating for urgent and decisive measures to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

The current escalations in the DRC stem from ongoing tensions involving M23 rebels, whose actions have dire consequences for local civilians. The region has become increasingly unstable since the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces and heightened allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels. The UN aims to facilitate peace through regional dialogues and uphold humanitarian standards in the face of escalating violence.

The ongoing conflict involving M23 rebels in the eastern DRC presents a dire humanitarian situation, prompting urgent calls from the UN Secretary-General for cessation of hostilities and adherence to peace agreements. Respect for both human rights and sovereignty is critical as regional dynamics, particularly with Rwanda’s involvement, complicate the landscape. Continued support for peace processes and civilian protection remains imperative in addressing the crisis effectively.

Original Source: news.un.org