UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns of escalating conflict in the DRC due to M23 attacks on Bukavu. He stresses the need to preserve DRC’s territorial integrity and avoid regional conflict. M23 claims control of key strategic locations, which raises significant concerns about regional stability and military involvement from Rwanda. The EU is considering responses, including suspending deals with Rwanda, amid escalating tensions in the region.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to attacks by M23 fighters on Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province. Speaking at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, he emphasized the need to preserve DRC’s territorial integrity and stressed that a regional escalation must be avoided.
Guterres highlighted the serious situation, indicating that the ongoing M23 offensive could jeopardize stability in the entire region. He noted that the DRC must not only contend with territorial threats but also with the implications of regional fallout. Local media reported explosions in Bukavu, resulting in casualties, adding urgency to the situation.
M23 has claimed control of key areas, including the Kavumu airport, raising concerns among local authorities and military personnel who have reportedly fled in the face of aggression. The group has now secured both South Kivu and North Kivu, areas rich in mineral resources, crucial for the DRC’s economy.
Rwanda, allegedly supporting M23, denies these claims while asserting its own security concerns regarding Hutu groups in the DRC. UN experts have previously indicated Rwanda maintains a military presence within the country, which complicates the geopolitical landscape. The African Union has faced criticism for not taking stronger action against the escalation.
The European Union has expressed alarm over these developments and is contemplating various responses, including the potential suspension of a minerals deal with Rwanda. The EU called for action against actions that violate DRC’s territorial integrity and has proposed freezing any military support to Rwanda, following a resolution from the European Parliament urging decisive measures in light of current tensions.
The UN warns that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly involving M23 forces and alleged Rwandan support, is critical and dangerous, threatening regional stability. Guterres and the EU have called for action to address these violations of DRC’s territorial integrity. The situation remains precarious, with regional actors urged to take decisive steps to prevent further escalation and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
