António Guterres urges the M23 rebel group to halt its offensive in the eastern DRC due to a recent surge in violence that displaced over 178,000 people. The M23 has rapidly advanced towards Goma, capturing key towns and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Guterres emphasized the need for respect of DRC’s sovereignty and an immediate end to support for armed groups.
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, expressed grave concern regarding the M23 rebel group’s recent aggressions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ongoing insurgency has resulted in the displacement of over 178,000 individuals within just a fortnight. In a statement released through his spokesperson, Guterres urged the M23 to immediately halt its offensive, highlighting the severe consequences on the civilian population and the heightened potential for broader regional conflict.
The M23’s military maneuvers have seen rapid progression towards Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, as they engage in battles with the Congolese army. The rebels recently captured several towns, including Minova, a critical trade hub, and Sake, further intensifying the panic among the local populace. Explosions have resonated through Goma’s outskirts as residents fled in search of safety.
In light of the escalating violence, residents of Sake have sought refuge, with thousands crossing Lake Kivu in overloaded boats to escape the conflict’s immediate dangers. Eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing scenes of destruction and loss. For instance, a woman named Neema Matondo recounted the traumatic experience of fleeing amidst violent explosions, while Mariam Nasibu described a heartbreaking incident where her child was injured during the bombardments.
The long-standing conflict involving various regional armies and armed groups has contributed to a humanitarian crisis in the DRC, where approximately 6 million individuals have lost their lives, and over 7 million remain displaced. The M23, composed primarily of former Congolese Tutsi soldiers, is one of over a hundred armed groups involved in the turmoil, commanding a force of more than 8,000 fighters.
The M23 currently exerts control over key mineral-rich areas, generating substantial revenue from coltan mining operations. The DRC, along with the United States and the UN, accuses Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebels. Although Rwanda has denied these allegations, it acknowledged the presence of its troops in the DRC to ensure its security, citing perceived threats from Congolese forces.
Guterres emphasized the necessity for all involved parties to respect the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged an end to all forms of support for armed groups, whether they are from within the DRC or externally linked. The situation in the region remains fraught with tension, as the international community continues to monitor the developments closely.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been extensively documented as one of the world’s most critical humanitarian crises. The M23 rebel group, which originated from a faction of the Congolese army over a decade ago, has been a significant player in the prolonged violence that has resulted in mass displacement and loss of life. Accusations of external support, particularly from Rwanda, further complicate the regional dynamics, as various armed factions vie for control of the rich mineral resources in the area.
In conclusion, António Guterres’s call for the M23 rebel group to cease its offensive signifies urgent international concern for the escalating humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC. With immense civilian suffering and displacement occurring at an alarming rate, the necessity for a collective effort to restore peace and security in the region is paramount. The ongoing conflict highlights the importance of upholding national sovereignty and blocking external support to insurgent factions.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
