UN Secretary-General António Guterres raises alarms over the recent M23 rebel offensive in the DRC, noting its severe toll on civilians and threats to regional security. He calls for an immediate ceasefire and highlights the presence of Rwandan troops supporting the rebels. Guterres reaffirms support for ongoing peace processes while emphasizing the need for civilian protection and humanitarian access amidst escalating violence.
On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns regarding the intensified offensive by the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in severe consequences for civilians. He specifically referred to the recent capture of Sake by Rwandan-backed rebels, emphasizing that this escalation poses a growing threat to the regional capital, Goma, and risks sparking a larger regional conflict.
Following the UN peacekeeping mission’s withdrawal from South Kivu in June 2024, clashes have persisted between M23 forces, Congolese Armed Forces, and other armed groups, particularly in strategically significant areas like Goma and Sake. The UN’s peacekeeping mission reported that recent violence in Bweremana led to at least ten fatalities and displaced over 250,000 individuals toward Kalehe, Goma, and Rusayo.
In his statement, Secretary-General Guterres urged the M23 rebels to cease hostilities immediately, withdraw from occupied territories, and comply with the ceasefire agreement established on July 31, 2024. Additionally, he expressed deep concern over reports indicating the presence of Rwandan troops in the DRC, which complicates the situation and undermines the DRC’s sovereignty.
Guterres reaffirmed his support for the Luanda peace process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, aimed at reducing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. He commended progress made during mediation talks initiated in June 2022 and urged parties to maintain focus on de-escalation efforts and neutralize armed groups effectively.
The Secretary-General stressed the importance of civilian protection, calling for all parties involved in the conflict to respect human rights and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. He firmly condemned any actions that jeopardize the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel and reasserted MONUSCO’s commitment to uphold its mandate to protect civilians in the region.
The ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebels in the eastern DRC has significantly impacted civilian safety and stability in the region. The M23, perceived to be backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive following the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces, further complicating an already volatile situation. The escalating violence has prompted the UN Secretary-General to advocate for immediate cessation of hostilities and uphold international humanitarian laws to facilitate humanitarian assistance to those affected by the strife.
In conclusion, Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concerns regarding the recent M23 rebel offensive in the eastern DRC, highlighting its devastating impact on civilians and regional stability. He has called for an immediate halt to the violence, reaffirmed his support for peace processes, and underscored the necessity of protecting human rights and providing humanitarian access to affected populations. The situation demands urgent attention from the international community to prevent further escalation and suffering.
Original Source: news.un.org
