The UN envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strongly condemned the January 2 offensive by rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) in the country’s eastern region.
Bintou Keita vehemently denounced the M23 attack, which claimed the lives of at least seven civilians and displaced tens of thousands, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, APA has learned.
“This escalation of violence, which cruelly impacts civilian populations, marks a tragic turning point at the start of 2025 and must cease immediately,” said Ms Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of these atrocities. I deplore the resumption of military offensives in North Kivu and call on all parties to fully support the ongoing Luanda peace process under the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço,” she added.
Reaffirming respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC, Ms. Keita emphasised the UN’s firm commitment to defending this principle. On January 4, the M23 seized control of Masisi, the administrative center of the eponymous territory.
According to the UN Group of Experts, the M23 reportedly receives support from external forces of a neighbouring state. MONUSCO reiterated that this offensive constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement signed on July 30, 2024, between the DRC and Rwanda.
Furthermore, Ms. Keita reaffirmed MONUSCO’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the DRC. She urged all stakeholders to engage constructively to end the violence and achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict in the country’s east.
ODL/te/sf/lb/as/APA