The UN Security Council has condemned Rwanda for its backing of the M-23 rebels in the DRC, urging an immediate troop withdrawal. The conflict has caused significant displacement and casualties, with over 480,000 people affected. The UN emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid as the situation deteriorates.
The UN Security Council has unanimously called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following advancements by Rwandan-backed rebels, the M-23. This group, reportedly supported by around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, has taken control of significant territories in eastern DRC. The Council condemned Rwanda for its role in the ongoing conflict, marking a significant development in the regional crisis.
Bintou Keita, the UN’s special envoy to Congo, emphasized the urgent need to cease hostilities, stating, “Let me reiterate MONUSCO’s urgent call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to hostilities without conditions by the M23…” She underscored the necessity for Rwanda to respect the DRC’s territorial integrity as part of regional peace commitments.
The conflict in eastern DRC intensified sharply at the beginning of January 2025, displacing over 480,000 people and resulting in at least 3,000 deaths. Following a rapid advance by the M-23 rebels into Goma, tensions have escalated, now reaching Bukavu, prompting mass evacuations and fears of a larger regional conflict.
Keita highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the violence, urging a cessation of hostilities: “Let us stop a moment, and condemn the intolerable degree of suffering that this conflict is causing… There is no military solution that will end this suffering.”
Rwanda denies allegations of supporting the M-23 rebels, arguing it is primarily defending itself against Hutu militias supposedly allied with the Congolese military. Meanwhile, Congo accuses Rwanda of exploiting the situation to extract valuable natural resources, including gold and coltan, essential for technology.
Rwanda’s ambassador to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, rejected accusations, asserting, “Rwanda cannot take the blame for the problems that DRC is facing.” This highlights the complex dynamics at play, where Rwanda insists its national interests justify its military actions.
In addition to calls for hostilities to cease, the UN cautioned against assaults on peacekeepers in the area. The crisis has intensified, with rising needs among displaced civilians amid insufficient basic services such as food, water, and sanitation facilities.
UNHCR has reported a surge of around 40,000 displaced individuals entering neighboring Burundi, prompting concerns for their well-being. The agency aims to move these individuals to areas where humanitarian aid can be better administrated, highlighting the urgent nature of the situation.
The humanitarian conditions are dire, as described by Brigitte Mukanga-Eno from UNHCR in Burundi: “…the increase in numbers really started on the weekend of the (February) 14th,” indicating a significant and rapid influx of refugees.
Furthermore, Mukanga-Eno recounted tragic instances of exhaustion-related deaths among new arrivals, revealing the critical state of the humanitarian situation: “…two of her children just passed on, based on exhaustion… the conditions are very bad for the people who are arriving.” This illustrates the pressing need for international support and intervention in the crisis.
In summary, the UN Security Council’s condemnation of Rwanda for its military support of M-23 rebels highlights escalating tensions in eastern DRC, which have led to significant humanitarian challenges. The resolution calls for immediate troop withdrawal and emphasizes the need for a ceasefire. As the situation worsens, international response and humanitarian support become increasingly critical to address the needs of the displaced population in the region.
Original Source: www.sbs.com.au
