UK Expresses Deep Concern over M23 and Rwandan Defense Forces Advances in Eastern DRC
January 26, 2025
The United Kingdom has expressed deep concern over the scale and pace of recent military advances by the M23 rebel group and Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement delivered at the United Nations Security Council, the UK representative condemned the escalating violence and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
M23 and RDF Activities
The M23, a Congolese Tutsi-led rebel group, has recently launched a major offensive in eastern DRC, capturing several towns and displacing tens of thousands of civilians. The group is accused of committing serious human rights abuses, including summary executions and sexual violence.
Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23, has deployed its defense forces into DRC under the pretext of combating the rebel group. However, the UK government believes that Rwanda’s involvement is destabilizing the region and fueling the conflict.
UK Statement
The UK representative at the Security Council stated that the UK is “deeply concerned by the scale and pace of recent M23 and RDF advances in eastern DRC.” The representative condemned “the ongoing violence and human rights abuses committed by both parties.”
The UK called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the conflict. The representative also called on Rwanda to “cease its support for the M23 and to withdraw its troops from DRC.”
International Response
The UK’s concerns were echoed by other members of the Security Council, including the United States and France. The US representative stated that “the M23 and RDF’s military operations are unacceptable and must end.”
The UN Secretary-General has also expressed concern over the escalating violence in eastern DRC. He called on all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of DRC and to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis
The fighting in eastern DRC has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and created a severe humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies are struggling to provide food, shelter, and medical care to those in need.
The UK has provided £20 million in humanitarian aid to DRC and is calling for increased international support to address the crisis.
Conclusion
The UK’s deep concern over the situation in eastern DRC is justified. The M23 and RDF advances are destabilizing the region and causing immense suffering to civilians. The UK is urging all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. The international community must also provide increased humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence.
The UK is deeply concerned by the scale and pace of recent M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces advances in eastern DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council
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