Guterres Urges M23 to Halt Offensive Amid DRC Humanitarian Crisis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the M23 rebel group to cease its offensive in Eastern DRC, which has displaced over 178,000 people. The M23 advance has intensified battles with the Congolese army, causing panic among civilians. Reports of foreign support for M23 complicate the conflict, which is part of a broader humanitarian crisis in the region.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has expressed deep concern regarding the advances of the M23 rebel group towards Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This resurgence of conflict has caused the displacement of over 178,000 individuals within two weeks. Guterres emphasizes the critical nature of this situation, citing the severe impact on civilians and the potential risk of escalating regional conflict.

As the M23 rebels continue their aggressive maneuvers, they have encircled Goma while clashing with the Congolese army. Earlier in the month, they seized multiple towns including Minova and Sake, which are crucial for trade and supply to Goma. Bomb explosions have been reported on the outskirts of Goma, triggering widespread panic and resulting in numerous casualties among the civilian population.

In response to the advancing rebels, the Congolese military has deployed helicopter gunships and troops to combat the M23 forces. Civilians, terrified of the escalating violence, have made desperate attempts to flee the conflict, with many reaching Goma by boat, bringing only the essentials with them. Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, including the loss of loved ones amid the chaos.

The ongoing crisis in the DRC is part of a larger humanitarian emergency that has claimed approximately 6 million lives since 1998, with over 7 million people displaced. The M23 group, primarily composed of Tutsis who were once part of the Congolese military, is one of the numerous armed factions operating within this mineral-rich region. Reports indicate that M23 generates significant revenue from control of resource-rich areas such as Rubaya.

The DRC, alongside the United States and the UN, accuses Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels. Although Rwanda has previously denied these allegations, they later acknowledged the presence of their troops in eastern DRC for security reasons. A UN report last July estimated that a substantial number of Rwandan forces are actively collaborating with M23, complicating the conflict further.

Guterres urged all parties involved to respect the DRC’s sovereignty and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He emphasized the necessity of ending all forms of external support to armed groups, whether they are domestic or foreign, to stabilize the region and protect civilians.

For many years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict involving various armed groups, leading to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. With historical tensions stemming from ethnic divisions and control over rich natural resources, the situation has become dire. The M23 group is one of the key players in this conflict, with accusations of foreign intervention, particularly from neighboring Rwanda, further complicating peace efforts.

In conclusion, António Guterres has made a fervent call for the M23 group to halt its advances in eastern DRC, which have led to massive displacement and heightened violence against civilians. The ongoing conflict not only poses a threat to regional stability but has also exacerbated a long-standing humanitarian crisis. A comprehensive approach, including respect for the sovereignty of the DRC and cessation of external support for armed groups, is essential for restoring peace in the region.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com