UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concerns over the M23 rebel offensive in eastern DRC, which has led to significant civilian casualties and displacements. He called for an immediate ceasefire and compliance with an existing peace agreement, while condemning the presence of Rwandan troops within DRC. Guterres reaffirmed support for the Luanda peace process aimed at resolving tensions between DRC and Rwanda.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed serious concerns regarding the recent resurgence of M23 rebel offensives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is having a significantly harmful impact on civilian populations. In a statement, he referenced the capture of the town of Sake by the Rwandan-backed rebels, which has escalated threats to Goma, the regional capital, amid fears of a potential regional conflict.
The ongoing conflict has intensified since the UN Mission’s withdrawal from South Kivu in June 2024, as clashes continue between M23 fighters, the Congolese Armed Forces, and various armed groups. Most recently, fighting in Bweremana has resulted in numerous casualties and mass displacement, displacing over 250,000 individuals according to MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission. Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities from the M23 and compliance with the ceasefire agreement established on July 31, 2024.
Guterres also expressed alarm over reports of Rwandan troops operating within Congolese territory and their ongoing support for M23 rebels. He reiterated the necessity for all parties to respect DRC’s sovereignty and cease backing both local and foreign armed groups. Additionally, he voiced strong support for the Luanda peace process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço, which aims to mitigate tensions between DRC and Rwanda.
The Secretary-General underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in the negotiations in Luanda, specifically regarding the neutralization of the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to honor human rights and international humanitarian law, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. Guterres reaffirmed MONUSCO’s commitment to civilian protection and condemned any actions jeopardizing the safety of UN personnel.
The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has long been plagued by conflict, primarily driven by a multitude of armed groups, including the M23 rebels, who have a history of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda. The situation escalated following the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in South Kivu, leading to increased hostilities in the region, particularly affecting civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with hundreds of thousands displaced and in need of assistance, prompting international concern and calls for action to ensure peace and stability in the area.
In conclusion, Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the urgent need for an immediate halt to the violence perpetrated by the M23 and to safeguard the rights and safety of civilians amidst the increasing instability in eastern DRC. He has emphasized the necessity for respect for national sovereignty and has reaffirmed support for ongoing peace initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region. The international community’s attention to the humanitarian crisis remains critical as efforts to reconcile the conflicting parties continue.
Original Source: news.un.org
