Rwanda-backed rebels have seized control of two key cities in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region within a month, following an escalation in their conflict with Congolese forces.
Nicolas de Rivière, the Representative to the United Nations in France, stated, “The conflict lacks a military solution. The M23 offense, supported by Rwanda, must end. The priority now is to achieve an effective, unconditional, and immediate ceasefire agreement.”
Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, has accused Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi of disregarding the concerns of Congo’s ethnic Tutsis and previous peace agreements.
“Although it took the Council considerable time to reach a consensus, its resilience is evident. On behalf of the Government and all citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly those in Bunagana to Kamanyola, Goma, Sake, Minova, Nyabibwe, Kalehe, Kavumu, and Bukavu, I sincerely thank all members of the Council,” said Zénon Mukongo Ngay, the Representative to the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to U.N. experts, the rebels have the support of approximately 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, with threats to march as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa— over 1,000 miles away.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/02/23/un-calls-for-ceasefire-in-congo/
