UN Secretary-General Calls for Ceasefire as M23 Advances in DRC
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, has called for the M23 rebel group to cease its offensive in eastern DRC as their advancement has displaced over 178,000 individuals. The escalating conflict poses risks to civilians and threatens broader regional stability. The humanitarian crisis in the DRC continues, with millions displaced and heavily impacted by ongoing violence.
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, has expressed deep concern regarding the advance of the M23 rebel group towards Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Over the past two weeks, their actions have displaced more than 178,000 individuals and significantly impacted the civilian population, raising fears of a larger regional conflict. Guterres urges M23 to immediately halt its offensive to safeguard civilians and stabilize the area.
M23 has made rapid territorial gains recently, surrounding Goma and engaging in battles with the Congolese army to take control of the city, which serves as the provincial capital of North Kivu. Earlier this month, the rebels captured several towns, including Minova— a crucial trading center for Goma— and Sake, intensifying the crisis in the region. The conflict has caused widespread panic among residents, with reports of explosions and heavy casualties.
As a result of the violence, thousands of individuals are fleeing towards Goma, with many arriving exhausted and traumatized. Helicopter gunships from the Congolese military have been deployed to counter the M23 advance, and reinforcements are being sent to the frontlines as the insurgents gain momentum. Civilians continue to suffer tremendously, with accounts of horrific injuries and deaths amidst the turmoil.
The ongoing conflict in DRC is symptomatic of a long-standing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by decades of fighting among various armed groups and regional armies. To date, approximately six million individuals have lost their lives due to the violence, while over seven million people are currently displaced within the country. M23, composed primarily of former Tutsi members of the Congolese army, is one of numerous militias operating in the resource-rich eastern DRC.
Allegations persist regarding Rwanda’s support for M23, a claim the Rwandan government has consistently denied. However, UN experts noted the presence of Rwandan forces supporting the rebel group, indicating a significant overlap in operational control. In 2012, M23 briefly captured Goma but withdrew following international pressure and aid cuts to Rwanda.
In closing, Guterres has called for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the sovereignty of the DRC and to cease all forms of support to armed factions. The UN’s commitment to monitoring the situation and advocating for peace remains unwavering as the humanitarian crisis intensifies, prompting urgent international attention and intervention.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile as various armed groups, including M23, engage in continuous conflict with government forces. This region has been plagued by violence for decades, resulting in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, characterized by millions of deaths and displacements. M23, largely composed of former Congolese soldiers, poses a significant challenge due to its control over key territories and its implications for regional stability and security.
In summary, the escalating conflict involving the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC is prompting urgent calls for peace and stability. António Guterres emphasizes the critical need for M23 to cease its advance and for all involved to respect DRC’s sovereignty. With millions affected by ongoing violence, the international community faces a pressing challenge to address the humanitarian crises stemming from this long-standing conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
