United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) risks escalating into a broader regional war. The Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, condemned the recent capture of the strategic town of Sake by the M23 fighters, highlighting the devastating toll on the civilian population.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has intensified its offensive in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC since the start of the year, seizing more territory than ever before and displacing thousands of people. The United Nations and the Congolese government have accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23 insurgency with troops and weapons, a claim that Rwanda denies.
Guterres called on all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and to cease all support to armed groups. The recent seizure of Sake, located about 20 kilometers from the provincial capital Goma, has increased the threat to Goma, raising concerns about the potential for a regional conflict.
The M23 briefly took control of Goma during a previous rebellion in 2012, but the current situation is more severe, with the rebels holding more ground than before. The Secretary-General urged the M23 to immediately cease its offensive and withdraw from all occupied areas, emphasizing the need to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for a peaceful resolution and support for the Luanda peace process led by Angola to de-escalate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.