UN Security Council Addresses Crisis in Democratic Republic of the Congo
The UN Security Council met urgently on January 28 to address escalating violence in Goma, DRC, instigated by the M23 rebel group. Reports of ongoing clashes and humanitarian crises prompted strong international concern, with a call for immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict involving Rwanda and regional entities.
On January 28, the UN Security Council convened its second urgent meeting of the week regarding the deteriorating security conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This meeting was prompted by a request from Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following recent conflicts in the provincial capital of Goma.
The conflict escalated after the M23 rebel group threatened to occupy Goma unless the Congolese Armed Forces surrendered their weapons by January 25. Reports indicate that M23 forces entered the city shortly after their ultimatum, leading to violent protests in Kinshasa and attacks on foreign embassies amid rising tensions.
In response to the situation, UN officials emphasized the need for humanitarian access and proposed pauses in combat to facilitate aid delivery. The Council expressed strong condemnation of the M23’s military actions and discussed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, while the DRC called for targeted measures against Rwanda, highlighting regional tensions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
