The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned the latest rise in the attacks by M23 rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s restive east. These attacks have greatly compromised security and worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Conflict seems imminent in the vicinity of Goma City in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the region is at breaking point. Last week, the UN Security Council cautioned about a swiftly declining security scenario and a humanitarian emergency escalating to almost catastrophic proportions.
“One Congolese person out of four faces hunger and malnutrition,” Bintou Keita, the head of the UN’ DRC peacekeeping mission MONUSCO.
Since February, clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group have escalated in the eastern region of the country, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians as the rebels advance and make territorial gains.
Further, mentioned that the armed group “is making significant advances and expanding territory to unprecedented levels.” M23 has made significant progress as the confrontations between the army and rebels have extended to the outskirts of Sake, a village approximately 15 miles away from the regional economic center, Goma.
Mapping the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda Genocide (1994) – The conflict begins as the major spillover of ethnic wars in neighboring Rwanda, with millions of people seeking refuge in the DRC, including armed combatants.
- First Congo War (1996) – Rwanda waged the First Congo War against Zaire, launching an invasion of the DRC with support from other African nations such as Angola, Uganda, and Burundi.
- Second Congo War (1998) – often referred to as “Africa’s World War” due to the involvement of nine countries in the conflict on Congolese territory. In 1999, the UN deployed peacekeeping forces under MONUSCO. Significant rebel factions emerged in the early 2000s, establishing themselves as the dominant power in eastern DRC.
- M23 seizes Goma, however, a rare offensive brigade under the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission successfully pushes back the rebels.
- In 2022, M23 reemerged following a five-year period of dormancy and seized control of significant portions of North Kivu province. Presently, the rebels are pressing in on Goma.
The impacts are also evident within Goma, where prices of essential goods have reached record levels, and the influx of refugees is causing disruptions to health services, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Based on information provided by an independent data-gathering organization, the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the utilization of explosives, shelling, and air raids has increased fourfold since the beginning of the year compared to the average in 2023.
Security Council Condemns the Attack
The council has condemned “foreign military support provided to M23 and any other armed group,” and expressed their deep concern over reported foreign involvement.
Strongly condemning the recent assaults on MONUSCO, including its personnel and assets, and reaffirming their backing for the gradual, responsible, and sustainable withdrawal of the UN Mission.
Further, the council strongly encouraged DRC authorities to tackle concrete action, including accelerated security sector reform and timely implementation of the national disarmament and demobilization program.
Finally, urged all parties to uphold diplomatic dialogue and to engage in concrete steps towards de-escalation.