UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sounded alarms over the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly regarding the territorial integrity being threatened by M23 rebel forces, allegedly backed by Rwanda. During an AU summit, he emphasized the need to avoid regional escalation, while leaders, including Tshisekedi, call for international actions against Rwanda’s involvement. The EU is also considering responses to uphold national sovereignty.
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has raised concerns about the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the critical need to preserve its territorial integrity. During an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, he warned that the escalation of the conflict, particularly involving the M23 rebel group, poses a significant threat to regional stability.
The M23 forces, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have recently seized control of Kavumu airport near Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Guterres stated, “The fighting that is raging in South Kivu – as a result of the continuation of the M23 offensive – threatens to push the entire region over the precipice.” Casualties were reported following explosions in Bukavu.
The situation in eastern DRC has drawn considerable international attention, with criticisms aimed at the African Union for its slow response to the crisis. M23 commanders claim to be securing Bukavu, following reports that Congolese army officers had abandoned their posts at Kavumu airport amid violent confrontations with the rebels, who now control significant mineral-rich regions and Lake Kivu.
Rwanda has denied providing military support to M23, though claims persist regarding its involvement, including a report indicating the presence of Rwandan soldiers in the DRC. Additionally, key leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, were absent from the AU meeting where the necessity for a ceasefire was emphasized.
President Tshisekedi, while addressing the Munich Security Conference, urged the international community to take decisive action against Rwanda due to its alleged expansionist ambitions. In a parallel response, the European Union is contemplating urgent measures in light of the M23’s attacks, with spokesperson Anouar el-Anouni stressing that the violation of DRC’s territorial integrity “will not go unanswered.”
The European Parliament has also called for the suspension of a minerals agreement with Rwanda as a response to its involvement in the conflict, advocating for a halt to financial and military support to the nation as the situation continues to unfold.
In summary, the ongoing conflict involving M23 forces in the DRC represents a critical threat to both national and regional stability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has articulated the urgent need for international intervention and the protection of the DRC’s sovereignty. With regional tensions heightening, the international community, including the African Union and the European Union, is urged to take decisive actions to address these escalating hostilities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
