UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the escalating conflict in the DRC, particularly with M23 fighters attacking Bukavu and claiming control of Kavumu airport, threatens regional stability. Critics call for more decisive action from the African Union while the EU considers sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged backing of the M23 rebels. Calls for a ceasefire and preservation of DRC’s territorial integrity are intensifying as violence surges.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced urgent concerns regarding the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the need to preserve its “territorial integrity” as M23 fighters intensified their assault on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Speaking at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, he stated that a “regional escalation must be avoided at all costs.” This diplomatic signal highlights the repercussions of the escalating violence in the region.
M23 forces have reportedly seized control of Kavumu airport, complicating the ongoing conflict and raising fears of broader regional instability. Guterres described the current fighting in South Kivu as a potential catalyst for regional chaos. Local explosions in Bukavu and reports of casualties underscore the escalating violence as the M23 continues its offensive.
With accusations against Rwanda for backing M23 fighters lingering, the conflict in eastern DRC has led to calls for more decisive action from the African Union. Critics assert that the AU’s response has been insufficient as the situation deteriorates. M23 leaders confirmed their intention to secure Bukavu, raising concerns over both South Kivu and North Kivu’s mineral-rich regions now under their control.
Rwanda has denied accusations of military involvement but pointed to Hutu groups in DRC as a security threat. Meanwhile, outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat reiterated the necessity of observing a ceasefire, as African nations mobilize against the escalation of hostilities. Notably, neither President Paul Kagame of Rwanda nor President Félix Tshisekedi of DRC attended an important AU meeting on peacekeeping efforts.
At the Munich Security Conference, Tshisekedi called for international action against Rwanda, labeling its actions as “expansionist ambitions.” The European Union has responded to the crisis, indicating it will consider measures in light of the M23’s actions, including possible sanctions against Rwanda. The EU’s commitment to protecting the DRC’s sovereignty is central to their ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The escalating conflict in the DRC, particularly the resurgence of M23 fighters in Bukavu, poses a significant threat to regional stability. Guterres’s warnings reflect the urgency of maintaining peace, coupled with rising international scrutiny of Rwanda’s role. The EU’s consideration of sanctions also highlights the severity of the situation, as calls for action grow stronger across African and international institutions.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
