Guterres Voices Alarm over M23 Rebel Offensive in DR Congo, ‘Devastating Toll’ on Civilians
January 23, 2025
United Nations Headquarters, New York – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the escalating offensive by the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that it is having a “devastating toll” on civilians.
In a statement released on Sunday, Guterres strongly condemned the M23’s attacks on towns and villages in the eastern DRC, which have displaced tens of thousands of people and caused widespread suffering. He called on the rebels to immediately cease their offensive and withdraw from the areas they have occupied.
“The M23’s actions are a serious threat to regional peace and stability,” Guterres said. “They are also a violation of international law and a major setback to the efforts to bring peace to the eastern DRC.”
The M23 rebel group, which has been active in the DRC since 2012, has launched a new offensive in recent weeks, capturing several towns and villages in North Kivu province. The UN has accused the M23 of committing serious human rights violations, including summary executions, rape, and arbitrary arrests.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the M23 offensive has displaced over 100,000 people in North Kivu province, with many fleeing to neighboring Uganda and Rwanda. The displaced population is in urgent need of food, water, shelter, and medical care.
“The humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC is extremely fragile,” Guterres said. “The M23’s offensive is making it even worse.”
The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in the DRC on Monday, January 23. The Council has already imposed sanctions on the M23 and has called for an immediate end to its offensive.
Guterres urged the international community to increase its support for the DRC government and to help address the humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the country. He also called for a political solution to the conflict, based on the principles of inclusivity and dialogue.
“The people of the eastern DRC have suffered for far too long,” Guterres said. “It is time for the international community to come together and help them achieve a lasting peace.”
Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, ‘devastating toll’ on civilians
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