The Movement of March 23 (M23) has continued its advance in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising alarm from the United Nations about the potential for regional conflict. After capturing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, the M23, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, is now moving towards other strategic areas, according to statements made on Wednesday, February 19, by the UN.
In a rapid offensive at the end of January, the M23 seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, before advancing to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, which fell to them on Sunday. Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for the Great Lakes region, informed the Security Council that the group continues to progress, though their ultimate intentions remain unclear, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the Second Congo War (1998-2003), which saw widespread violence and humanitarian crises.
Bintou Keita, head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in North and South Kivu. The M23’s presence at the tri-border junction between the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi poses significant risks.
Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner has accused Rwanda of orchestrating a violent overthrow of the DRC government, describing the situation as “an open-air massacre.” She criticized the UN Security Council for its perceived inaction and urged for decisive measures, including sanctions against Rwandan political and military leaders, an embargo on Rwandan natural resources, and the exclusion of Rwandan troops from UN peacekeeping missions.
Interim U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea echoed some of these sentiments, calling for a reassessment of Rwanda’s role in peacekeeping if its stance does not change. She emphasized the urgency for the international community to respond decisively to the actions of the M23 and Rwanda, warning that the region teeters on the brink of widespread war.
Efforts by France to draft a Security Council resolution demanding the cessation of M23 offensives and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces have stalled, partly due to reluctance from African council members to openly criticize Kigali. The latest draft, reviewed by AFP, calls for an immediate halt to M23’s military actions and discusses potential sanctions against its leaders and external supporters.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation posing a significant threat to regional stability.
