News|Paul KagameUNSC condemns Rwanda, M23 rebels for offensive in eastern DR CongoResolution urges Rwandan troops to withdraw from area of conflict that has killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has formally condemned Rwanda for supporting a rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The resolution, adopted unanimously, calls for Rwanda to cease backing the M23 armed group…
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has formally condemned Rwanda for supporting a rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The resolution, adopted unanimously, calls for Rwanda to cease backing the M23 armed group and withdraw its forces. Additionally, the UNSC has extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, for another year.
The UNSC has emphasized that the M23's capture of Uvira poses a significant risk to regional stability, endangers civilian populations, and threatens ongoing peace efforts. M23 has been instructed to withdraw at least 75 kilometers from Uvira and comply with its obligations under the Framework Agreement.
M23 seized Uvira in South Kivu Province on December 10, shortly after the DRC and Rwandan presidents met with the U.S. President to finalize a peace agreement. Despite claims of withdrawal by M23 following international pressure, the DRC government has labeled the move a "staged" retreat.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged unmet commitments under the Washington accord and indicated that the U.S. has signed binding agreements. The U.S. government has also warned of potential measures against those undermining the peace deal.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has formally condemned Rwanda for supporting a rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, with over 84,000 people fleeing to Burundi since early December, according to the UN refugee agency. The influx has brought the total number of refugees in Burundi to approximately 200,000, with regional officials reporting over 400 civilian casualties in recent violence.
Despite consistent denials from Rwanda regarding its support for M23, international assessments have indicated otherwise. Rwanda has cited security concerns related to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militia it views as a threat, as justification for its actions.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC, a region rich in minerals and home to over 100 armed groups, has displaced more than seven million individuals, constituting one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
