UN Chief Condemns M23 Rebel Offensive in DR Congo, Citing Devastating Toll on Civilians
January 23, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the recent offensive by the rebel group M23 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting its severe impact on civilians.
In a statement issued on Monday, Guterres called on the M23 to immediately cease all attacks and withdraw from areas it had recently seized. He also urged the Congolese government and all other armed groups to respect the ceasefire declared by the regional bloc, the East African Community (EAC), on November 25, 2022.
According to the UN, the M23 offensive has displaced more than 150,000 people and caused widespread suffering in the eastern DRC province of North Kivu. The rebels have been accused of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture.
Guterres emphasized that the offensive has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, which is grappling with conflict, poverty, and disease. He stressed the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by the violence.
The UN chief reiterated the support of the international community for the EAC-led peace process in the DRC and urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to find a lasting solution to the conflict. He also called on the Congolese government to ensure the protection of civilians and to address the root causes of instability in the region.
The M23 rebellion has been ongoing since 2012 and has been characterized by periods of intense fighting and uneasy ceasefires. The group claims to represent the interests of the Tutsi ethnic community in the DRC, but critics accuse it of being backed by neighboring Rwanda, which has denied these allegations.
The EAC has been leading a regional initiative to mediate an end to the conflict and has deployed a joint force to the region to monitor the ceasefire and support the peace process. However, the M23 offensive has cast doubts on the effectiveness of these efforts.
The international community has condemned the M23 offensive and called for a swift resolution to the conflict. The UN Security Council has authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping force to the DRC, known as MONUSCO, to support the government in its efforts to maintain peace and stability.
The impact of the M23 offensive on civilians has been particularly severe, with many people forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded camps or in neighboring countries. The UN has called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians.
Guterres voices alarm over M23 rebel offensive in DR Congo, ‘devastating toll’ on civilians
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