DR CONGO CRISIS: Security Council hears call for ‘urgent and coordinated international action’ over Goma
- 2025-01-28 12:00
The Security Council on Tuesday called for “urgent and coordinated international action” to address the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a briefing by the UN Special Representative in the country.
Bintou Keita, the head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), told the Council that the resurgence of the M23 armed group in recent months had led to a “significant deterioration” in the security situation in North Kivu province, particularly around the city of Goma.
“The M23 has launched a series of attacks against FARDC [Congolese Armed Forces] positions, as well as against civilians, resulting in numerous casualties and the displacement of thousands of people,” she said.
“The group has also been accused of committing serious human rights abuses, including summary executions, rape, and torture.”
Keita said that MONUSCO was working closely with the FARDC to protect civilians and stabilize the situation, but that the mission was facing significant challenges.
“M23 has demonstrated a sophisticated level of organization and weaponry, and they have been able to operate with impunity in some areas,” she said.
“We are also concerned about the involvement of external actors in the conflict, which is further complicating the situation.”
Keita called on the Security Council to take urgent action to address the crisis, including by increasing support for MONUSCO and imposing sanctions on those responsible for the violence.
“The international community must not stand idly by as the people of eastern DRC continue to suffer,” she said.
“We need urgent and coordinated action to stop the violence, protect civilians, and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Security Council issued a press statement after the briefing, expressing its deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and condemning the attacks by the M23.
The Council called on the M23 to immediately cease all hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas, and on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights.
The Council also called on the DRC government to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and stabilize the situation, and urged all regional and international actors to support efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
DR CONGO CRISIS: Security Council hears call for ‘urgent and coordinated international action’ over Goma
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