Escalating Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis, Special Representative Warns Security Council, Urging Durable Political Solution
A dramatic spike in hostilities between the Congolese national forces and the 23 March Movement (M23) armed group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has exacerbated the country’s humanitarian crisis, the top UN official in the country told the Security Council today, as she also condemned the violence in Kinshasa on 10 February targeting UN personnel.
“The fighting has further compounded an already dire humanitarian situation,” said Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Since the expiration of a ceasefire between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), aligned armed groups and M23 in December 2023, fighting between the parties has intensified in several areas, leading to a deeply worrisome situation around Sake and Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, she said. M23 has pushed deeper south — displacing more people towards Goma and neighbouring South Kivu Province. This has exacerbated “the desperate conditions” in severely overcrowded displacement sites in and around Goma and triggered a dramatic increase in cholera cases.
Moreover, FARDC’s deployment to the front with M23 has exacerbated the security vacuum in other territories of North Kivu and drawn in new combatants from South Kivu, she said. Armed groups — including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) — are committing summary executions, abductions, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence. Ms. Keita called for ongoing diplomatic efforts to find lasting political solutions to the current conflict.
The violence is occurring as MONUSCO prepares to withdraw its peacekeepers from South Kivu by the end of April in line with an agreed disengagement plan and as the country’s worst flooding in 60 years caused by torrential rains has left more than 2 million people in need of humanitarian aid.
In the ensuing discussion, speakers voiced deep concern over the escalating security situation in the eastern part of the country, which has heightened regional tensions. Calling on Kinshasa and Kigali to de-escalate hostilities, many commended the mediation efforts by regional organizations and Governments, including Angola.
“Rwanda and the [Democratic Republic of the Congo] must walk back from the brink of war,” stated the representative of the United States, denouncing the recent attacks by the Rwanda-backed M23 on Sake and near Goma. Rwanda forces must withdraw from Congolese territory and immediately remove all their surface-to-air missile systems, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo must immediately cease its support to FDLR. He also urged the warring parties to immediately resume the Nairobi and Rwanda regional peace processes.
France’s speaker agreed that Rwanda’s support for M23 and the presence of its forces on Congolese territory must be rejected, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity respected. Support for armed groups will only fuel escalation, he said, noting that the threshold has been crossed with the deployment of weaponry in Congolese territory. Accordingly, he highlighted the inclusion on the UN Sanctions List of six new individuals belonging primarily to M23, proposed by France, United States and the United Kingdom.
Pointing to the challenging tasks faced by MONUSCO in the current complex situation, China’s delegate urged the Mission to ensure the safe, orderly implementation of the disengagement plan in South Kivu and other areas, and a proper handover of functions to the Congolese Government to avoid a security vacuum. On the recent demonstrations against the UN in Kinshasa, he urged MONUSCO to strengthen communication with the country’s Government to maintain mutual trust and ensure the safety of peacekeepers.
Denouncing the 10 February incidents against the UN, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo detailed his Government’s measures to guarantee MONUSCO’s security. Condemning recent attacks by the Rwandan Defence Forces/M23 coalition, including the bombing of Goma International Airport, he said Kigali’s support for rebel groups like M23 — “Rwanda’s armed wing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” — undermine efforts towards lasting peace and stability in his country and the broader Great Lakes region. Further, Rwanda interfered in the internal affairs of the country by opposing the deployment of MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The speaker for Rwanda countered that it is the Democratic Republic of the Congo that continues providing logistical, operational and financial support to the military coalition of FARDC, European mercenaries and the genocidal FDLR. Kinshasa’s support for the latter is State policy — not the choice of individual actors — and as such, constitutes a serious threat to Rwanda’s security and territorial integrity. Voicing grave concern over the situation in North Kivu, he said Kigali takes seriously Kinshasa’s threat to cause regime change in Rwanda by force. Addressing the root cause of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is crucial to stop the cycle of violence and bring sustainable peace to the region.
The representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, called for effective measures to avoid a security vacuum and the advancement of M23, ADF, the Zaire and Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) factions. “Let us strive for a future where peace prevails over conflict, unity in diversity, in line with the African Union position,” he said.
THE SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Briefing
BINTOU KEITA, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), detailed the deeply worrisome situation around Sake and Goma, in North Kivu Province, where hostilities between the 23 March Movement (M23) and the Congolese forces have escalated dramatically since the expiration of the ceasefire on 28 December 2023. Since 28 January 2024, fighting between M23 and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) has intensified in several areas, and M23 has expanded further south, leading to further displacement of populations towards Goma and South Kivu. On 12 February, M23 offensives caused FARDC to reposition themselves east of Sake. Despite coming under fire and being targeted, MONUSCO maintained its defensive positions west of Sake, she said, adding that — with the Mission’s support — Sake town remains under the control of FARDC.
“The fighting has further compounded an already dire humanitarian situation,” she said. During the 12 February hostilities, two internally displaced persons sites came under indirect fire, resulting in the killing of five people, including three children. Voicing concern over “the desperate conditions” in the severely overcrowded displacement sites in and around Goma, she said more than 400,000 displaced persons have now sought refuge in the city, including 65,000 in the past two weeks. This triggered a dramatic increase in cases of cholera due to a lack of safe drinking water, adequate hygiene and sanitation. Also, restricted access to M23-controlled territories isolates Goma from inland territories and disrupts food production and supply chains. In this challenging context, violent incidents targeting humanitarian actors have increased significantly during the last quarter of 2023.
She further stressed that the redeployment of FARDC to the front with M23 has exacerbated the security vacuum in other territories of North Kivu and drawn in new combatants from South Kivu. Armed groups — such as Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Mayi Mayi groups, Nyatura factions and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) — are committing summary executions, abductions, forced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence. Deeply concerned about M23’s targeting of civil society actors — particularly human rights defenders and journalists — she said the number of human rights abuses committed by the movement continues to rise, with at least 150 civilians killed since the resumption of hostilities in November 2023. Online misinformation campaigns targeting MONUSCO have resulted in hostile acts against UN peacekeepers and restrictions of movement by local armed groups and Government soldiers. On 10 February, violent protests against UN personnel erupted in Kinshasa, she pointed out, noting that the Mission has significantly stepped up its strategic communication efforts to counter disinformation.
Calling for ongoing diplomatic efforts to find lasting political solutions to the current conflict, she said its escalation in Goma and other areas of North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu is deeply concerning. In the Ituri region, there is a significant increase in violence in Djugu, where MONUSCO continues to provide direct protection to over 100,000 displaced people. Last week alone, 26 civilians were killed due to tensions between the Zaire and Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) factions. She expressed deep concern that the situation in Ituri will degenerate further and undermine the ongoing peace process in the region. In Ituri and North Kivu, ADF continues to kill and kidnap civilians, particularly in the Tchabi region. In South Kivu, where MONUSCO is preparing to withdraw in a few months, clashes broke out between the Twirwaneho militias and Mai-Mai groups in the south of Minembwe. She emphasized that targeting UN peacekeepers is unacceptable, urging the Council to ensure that those responsible are held to account.
Statements
The representative of France condemned M23’s offensive launched on 7 February against the town of Sake. Rwanda’s support for the group and the presence of its forces on Congolese territory must be rejected, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity respected. The threshold has been crossed with the deployment of weaponry in Congolese territory. Support for armed groups will only fuel escalation, he warned. That is why, with the United States and the United Kingdom, France has proposed the inclusion on the UN Sanctions List of six new individuals belonging primarily to M23. The group must withdraw from its positions. Everything must be done to keep this current crisis from spilling over to the rest of the region. He also denounced attacks against MONUSCO and diplomatic sites in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the country.
The representative of the Republic of Korea urged M23 and other armed groups to immediately cease their offensive in the country’s east. All parties must engage constructively in diplomatic dialogue to find a long-lasting solution. Commending the President of Angola for hosting a mini-summit on the margins of the African Union Summit, he condemned the attacks targeting MONUSCO, as well as the recent violent protests that led to threats against the UN staff and diplomatic corps in Kinshasa. Addressing disinformation campaigns against MONUSCO is crucial, not only for the safety of peacekeepers, but to preserve the 25-year legacy of the Mission and the UN presence there. He expressed concern that 2 million people living in Goma are at growing risk of being cut off from food and essential supplies as M23 attempts to encircle Sake, a crucial link to Goma, stressing the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
The representative of Malta said that activities by more than 100 armed groups underscore the urgent need to cease all support to these groups and compel them to lay down their weapons. Her country has repeatedly supported regional diplomatic initiatives towards de-escalation and addressing the root causes of the conflict through proper mediation. With conflict escalating in North Kivu, MONUSCO’s anticipated withdrawal from South Kivu in less than two months is a difficult scenario that must be addressed. Expressing concern about the safety and security of peacekeepers given M23’s direct attacks, she asserted that progressive disengagement remains contingent upon the situation on the ground and the capacity of Congolese forces to step in and protect the civilian population.
The representative of the United Kingdom expressed deep concern about the worsening violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and condemned the UN-sanctioned M23 armed group’s continued advance. He called on external actors to end their support for violent armed groups in that country, including M23. He further emphasized the importance of diplomatic dialogue, including through the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes, urging parties to de-escalate tensions. Voicing concern over the increasingly dangerous environment UN peacekeepers face, he called on parties to respect the Mission’s freedom of movement. He condemned the recent attack on a MONUSCO helicopter in early February, adding: “Any attacks on civilians, MONUSCO peacekeepers, UN offices and diplomats are unacceptable.” On the worsening humanitarian crisis in the eastern part of the country, he said, “violence will just lead to further violence and pose a risk to regional security and stability”.
The representative of Sierra Leone, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in Sake and Goma, where the already dire security and humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the recent escalation of clashes. “The potential impact of these tragic events extends beyond the immediate region and must not be overlooked,” he said. This is happening when the MONUSCO disengagement plan is under way. Effective measures must be taken to avoid a security vacuum and the advancement by armed groups such as M23, ADF, CODECO and FDLR.
He urged all armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from all occupied areas, as agreed upon in the East African Community-led Nairobi and Angola-led Luanda processes. Noting a reported displacement of 135,000 people from Sake towards Goma, he said that already faced with limited resources, the provincial capital of North Kivu must now be further stretched to accommodate displaced people. Noting the deployment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Force, he expressed hope that its support for the Congolese national army will prevent the advancement of all armed groups and help stabilize situation. “Let us strive for a future where peace prevails over conflict, unity in diversity, in line with the African Union position,” he said.
The representative of Japan, voicing deep concern over the renewed offensives by M23, said increased hostilities and violence are having horrifying impacts on people’s lives, causing a massive flow of internally displaced persons and threatening human security. “The M23 and all other armed groups in the region must immediately cease hostilities and lay down their arms,” she asserted. Reports of the continued flow of a large amount of sophisticated weaponry into the battlespace are alarming, she stressed, adding that any support to armed groups only exacerbates insecurity and further heightens regional tensions. It is of utmost importance to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and ensure a political solution through inclusive dialogues. “We cannot allow any further escalation of regional tensions, let alone military confrontation among the neighbouring States,” she underlined. She further expressed concern about disinformation against MONUSCO, which is endangering the safety of peacekeepers.
The representative of the United States denounced the recent attacks by the UN-sanctioned, Rwanda-backed M23 armed group on Sake and near Goma. M23 must immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from the area. Rwanda forces must also withdraw from Congolese territory and immediately remove all its surface-to-air missile systems from there. For its part, the Democratic Republic of the Congo must immediately cease its support to and coordination with FDLR. Washington, D.C., has levied multiple sanctions against M23 and its leaders in addition to supporting UN sanctions. As of today, six additional armed group leaders will be designated by the UN Sanctions Committee. “Rwanda and the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] must walk back from the brink of war,” he said, urging the parties to the conflict and regional actors to immediately resume the Nairobi and Rwanda processes. These regional diplomatic efforts are the only path towards a negotiated solution and sustainable peace, he emphasized.
The representative of Slovenia said that military actions cannot bring an end to the conflict. Underscoring the urgency of a renewed commitment to a political and diplomatic resolution, she stressed that regional cooperation, facilitated by frameworks, including the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, remains key. The significance of regional engagements and the effectiveness of the Luanda and Nairobi processes hinges on establishing a genuine dialogue. The recent surge of hostilities and the withdrawal of MONUSCO demand careful attention, she said, stressing that ensuring that the withdrawal is executed in a manner that is safe, orderly, responsible, gradual and sustainable is paramount. The withdrawal should not lead to a security vacuum that could exacerbate the already dire situation and cause further instability, she warned.
The representative of the Russian Federation voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the worsening armed clashes between the Congolese armed forces and the illegal armed group M23. Due to the renewed attacks, M23 regained almost all the positions that it had voluntarily given up in March 2023, after the ceasefire. In this regard, she condemned the shelling against towns, villages and camps for internally displaced persons, noting that the number of internally displaced persons in the country has surpassed 7 million. The situation in the eastern provinces negatively impacts the whole Great Lakes region, she cautioned, calling on all illegal armed groups operating in the country to put a stop to the violence, lay down their weapons and participate in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. Noting that “only a political solution will lead to a comprehensive cessation of hostilities,” she underlined the need to intensify regional mediation and overcome tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali.
The representative of Switzerland voiced alarm over the escalation of violence and the humanitarian situation in North Kivu. Noting the resumption of clashes between FARDC and M23, she condemned the M23 offensive in and around Sake. The group should cease its operations immediately and withdraw from the occupied zones as agreed in the Luanda road map. Highlighting the massive displacement of people linked to human rights violations, intercommunity violence and hate speech, she called for unhindered access for humanitarian actors. This new escalation of violence affecting the civilian population must end. Condemning the direct attacks against MONUSCO, she recalled the responsibilities of the host State to bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice. “Only a political solution negotiated and agreed with all parties can lead to a lasting peace,” she underscored, expressing support for the Nairobi and Luanda processes.
The representative of Ecuador said that rising tensions and the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have led to a new wave of displacement of thousands of people, including children and women, with a consequent increase in already pressing humanitarian needs. This situation also brings with it the need to investigate allegations of possible war crimes, serious human rights abuses and gender-based sexual violence. There is an urgent need to de-escalate tensions. He also joined in condemning the attacks perpetrated against UN peacekeepers and M23’s public threats against MONUSCO. Rejecting the dissemination of false information to discredit the Mission, he said that MONUSCO’s work to protect civilians deserves to be supported and strengthened.
The representative of China expressed concern about the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in deaths, injuries and displacement. Urging M23 and other armed groups to cease their fire and withdraw from the occupied area immediately, he cautioned that “the recurrent region”. Accordingly, he called for de-escalation, commending the mediation efforts by regional organizations and Governments, including Angola. Spotlighting the challenging tasks faced by MONUSCO in the current complex situation, he urged the Mission to ensure the safe and orderly implementation of the disengagement plan in South Kivu and other areas. It should also guarantee a proper handover to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to avoid a security vacuum. On the recent demonstrations against the UN in Kinshasa and other areas, he underscored that MONUSCO should strengthen communication with the country’s Government to maintain mutual trust and ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers.
The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said his Government denounced the 10 February incidents and has taken necessary measures to guarantee the security of MONUSCO. He condemned recent attacks by the Rwandan Defence Forces/M23 coalition, including the bombing of Goma International Airport, as State crimes and violations of international law. “The Security Council should take note of this aggression,” he stressed. Turning to the fabricated arguments by Rwanda, he stated that Rwanda and FDLR are allies working to exploit the mineral resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Therefore, he requested the Security Council and the African Union to create and deploy an ad hoc mechanism in North Kivu to identify and expel them from Congolese territory. Moreover, Rwanda interfered in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo by opposing the deployment of MONUSCO and SADC.
Pointing to Kigali’s support for rebel groups like M23 — “Rwanda’s armed wing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo” — he spotlighted its role in undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the broader Great Lakes Region, including by blocking the Nairobi and Luanda processes. Against this backdrop, he urged the Council to demand Rwanda immediately withdraw its troops from his country’s territory and to cease all support for M23.
The representative of Rwanda said that the situation in North Kivu is a matter of grave concern to his country and other regional States, given the build-up of the military coalition of FARDC, European mercenaries, FDLR, its splinter groups, as well as Wazalendo, which include extremist Hutu groups. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to provide logistical, operational and financial support to them. This unholy alliance continues to target innocent Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese. Protecting their rights and lives is a primary responsibility of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The international community cannot be a bystander when hate speech and persecution is normalized. “This has happened before in Rwanda in 1994, and we should not allow it to happen again,” he said.
Pointing out that the support by the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the genocidal FDLR is State policy and not the choice of individual actors, he declared that this is a serious threat to Rwanda’s security and territorial integrity, which must be addressed. Rwanda takes seriously the threat by the Congolese Government to cause regime change in Rwanda using force. The root causes of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the country’s east, must be addressed honestly, justly and transparently to stop the cycle of violence and achieve sustainable peace in the region. A different outcome cannot be expected by repeating the same mistakes, he stressed. Rwanda appreciates and fully supports the tireless mediation efforts of regional leaders, notably the President of Angola.
Taking the floor a second time, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo asked Rwanda’s delegate to stop trying to resolve “ethnic problems” in the Congolese territory. While there are only two or three tribes in Rwanda, 450 tribes live in peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Any problems with the Congolese Tutsis would be resolved by the Congolese Government within the Congolese territory. “So you stay home,” he said. The same argument Rwanda has put forward since 1996 doesn’t hold water in the Council.
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