UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the M23 rebel offensive in the DRC, which has caused significant civilian suffering. He urged the rebels to cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas while emphasizing the need for respecting the country’s sovereignty and ongoing peace processes. The situation has resulted in mass displacement and humanitarian crises affecting over 250,000 individuals.
On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern regarding the renewed offensive by M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the severe impact on civilians. He highlighted the seizure of Sake by Rwandan-backed rebels, which exacerbates threats to the regional capital Goma and could potentially lead to a broader conflict. Despite Rwanda’s denial of direct involvement, ongoing clashes have continued since the UN Mission’s withdrawal in June 2024, with significant civilian casualties and displacement reported.
Mr. Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by M23 and urged the group to withdraw from occupied territories, reiterating the importance of respecting the ceasefire agreement established on July 31, 2024. Recent violence in Bweremana resulted in at least ten fatalities and triggered mass displacement, impacting over 250,000 individuals, according to the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO. The UN chief condemned any actions that endanger the safety of UN personnel and civilians, reaffirming MONUSCO’s commitment to its protective mandate.
The Secretary-General also expressed profound concern regarding reports of the presence of Rwandan troops in Congolese territory, which has reportedly bolstered M23’s offensive capabilities. He emphasized the necessity for all combatants to respect the sovereignty of the DRC and to cease support for armed groups. Mr. Guterres commended the Luanda peace process spearheaded by Angolan President João Lourenço and urged continued engagement in mediation efforts to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
He encouraged parties involved to maintain momentum towards the neutralization of the FDLR and the withdrawal of foreign forces while ensuring humanitarian access for affected populations. The UN chief’s statements reflect an urgent call to uphold human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law amid the ongoing conflict, underlining the humanitarian crises that continue to unfold in the eastern DRC.
The article discusses the current humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) resulting from renewed military actions by the M23 rebel group. Since the withdrawal of the UN peacekeepers in June 2024, the security situation has deteriorated as these rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have intensified their offensive. The complete withdrawal of peacekeepers has led to increased vulnerabilities among civilians, with escalating violence resulting in significant casualties and widespread displacement.
In conclusion, Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the offensive by M23 rebels and its devastating consequences on civilian populations in the DRC. He calls for an immediate halt to hostilities and stresses the need for international cooperation to uphold peace and stability in the region. Guterres’s support for the Luanda peace process indicates a hopeful yet urgent call for diplomatic solutions amidst escalating conflicts in the eastern DRC.
Original Source: news.un.org
