United States, Feb 20, (V7N) – The United Nations has raised alarms over the rapid advancement of the M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning of the escalating risk of a wider regional conflict.

In recent weeks, M23, which is reportedly supported by Rwanda, has seized significant portions of eastern DRC, including the crucial cities of Goma and Bukavu along Lake Kivu. Bukavu, located on the lake’s southern edge, fell to the rebels on Sunday, following their earlier capture of Goma in the north. With both cities now under their control, the group effectively dominates the entire lake region.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Huang Xia, the Secretary-General’s special envoy for the Great Lakes region, confirmed that M23 continues to push forward into other strategic areas within North and South Kivu. He expressed concern over the unknown long-term objectives of the group and its backers, cautioning that the potential for a regional war is now more tangible than ever.

"History appears to be repeating itself," Xia warned, emphasizing that while the current situation is dire, it could deteriorate further. The ongoing violence has revived fears of a conflict similar to the Second Congo War (1998-2003), which drew in multiple African nations and resulted in millions of casualties from direct violence, disease, and starvation.

Bintou Keita, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), also voiced deep concern over the M23’s expansion, noting that the group now occupies a key position at the crossroads of the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. She condemned the severe movement restrictions imposed on MONUSCO by M23, which has taken control of all major entry and exit routes in the areas it occupies.

Keita highlighted a worsening human rights situation across North and South Kivu, pointing to forced recruitment, looting, mass displacement, and targeted searches of hospitals and homes by M23 forces in pursuit of individuals suspected of opposing the group.

During the Security Council meeting, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner once again accused Rwanda of instigating violence and attempting to overthrow her government. She criticized the UN for its inaction, insisting that immediate measures must be taken.

"This council must act. It can no longer stand by as a silent observer while this tragedy unfolds," Wagner declared. She called for sanctions against Rwandan military and political leaders, a ban on Rwandan forces participating in UN peacekeeping operations, and an embargo on Rwanda’s export of natural resources.

Supporting this demand, Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea urged the UN to reassess Rwanda’s role in peacekeeping missions. She emphasized that decisive action is necessary, stating, "It is long past time for the UN and the international community to take a firm stand against M23 and Rwanda’s actions, which threaten regional stability and bring the DRC closer to the brink of full-scale war."

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