Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced alarm over the M23 rebel offensives in the DRC, which have caused significant civilian suffering and recently displaced over 250,000 individuals. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged respect for the sovereignty of the DRC. Guterres reaffirmed support for ongoing peace processes and condemned any foreign military involvement in the region.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed significant concern regarding the renewed offensive by M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His remarks highlight the severe impact on civilians, particularly following the rebels’ capture of Sake in South Kivu, amplifying the threat posed to Goma, the regional capital. Guterres noted that this escalation raises the potential for a regional conflict amidst accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 insurgents.
The withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from South Kivu in June 2024 has allowed the situation to deteriorate, with ongoing clashes between the M23 and Congolese Armed Forces. The recent violence in Bweremana resulted in at least ten fatalities and has displaced over 250,000 individuals, with growing humanitarian needs in the regions surrounding Goma, Kalehe, and Rusayo.
Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the M23 offensive, urging compliance with the ceasefire agreement established on July 31, 2024. He expressed deep concern regarding ongoing reports of Rwandan military presence in the DRC, urging all parties to respect the country’s sovereignty and to cease any support for armed groups operating in the region.
Guterres reaffirmed his steadfast support for the Luanda peace process, led by President João Lourenço of Angola, which aims to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Mediation efforts initiated in June 2022 have made strides, and the Secretary-General has encouraged ongoing engagement to neutralize threats from groups such as the FDLR and to facilitate the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Emphasizing the need for civilian protection, Guterres called on all factions involved in the conflict to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. He insisted on ensuring unobstructed humanitarian access to vulnerable populations and voiced MONUSCO’s commitment to civilian protection, condemning actions that compromise the security of UN personnel and civilians.
The situation in the eastern DRC has been tense due to the activities of the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. The UN’s presence has diminished since their withdrawal from South Kivu, allowing insurgent groups to gain ground and threaten regional stability. The ongoing conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and mass displacements, underscoring the urgent need for peace efforts and humanitarian assistance in the area. Guterres’s statements reflect the UN’s commitment to supporting peace processes and protecting civilians amidst rising violence.
In summary, Secretary-General António Guterres has raised alarms about the escalating conflict in the eastern DRC, particularly focusing on the humanitarian crisis resulting from the M23 rebel offensives. He called for the cessation of hostilities and adherence to peace agreements while urging all parties to respect the DRC’s sovereignty. The urgency for continued international support and mediation efforts to stabilize the region and protect civilians is critical amid the ongoing violence.
Original Source: news.un.org
