The United Nations’ peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has urged the M23 rebel group to cease its operations and withdraw from territories in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the need to uphold international law and respect the nation’s sovereignty.
Addressing an emergency UN Security Council meeting virtually, Lacroix called the situation a “grave violation” of international law. He highlighted recent attacks that claimed the lives of three UN peacekeepers—two from South Africa and one from Uruguay—and injured 11 others, who are now being treated in a UN hospital in Goma.
“These attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. MONUSCO remains committed to fulfilling its mandate despite the challenging conditions,” Lacroix said, urging the Security Council to act decisively to send a “clear message” that endangering civilians and UN personnel will not be tolerated.
The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda—a claim consistently denied by President Paul Kagame—have intensified their operations in eastern Congo, capturing key towns and threatening Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The group recently declared Goma’s airspace closed, accusing coalition forces supporting the Kinshasa government of using the local airport for military purposes.
As tensions escalate, Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, with recent clashes leaving at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead and displacing thousands of civilians, according to local reports.
Crisis at a Critical Juncture
Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative in the DRC and head of MONUSCO, described the situation as “dangerous” and called for immediate intervention.
“M23 and Rwandan forces have reached the outskirts of Goma, causing mass panic and blocking critical roads and the airport, which hinders evacuation and humanitarian efforts,” she said. “We are effectively trapped.”
Keita appealed to the Security Council to protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and UN personnel while urging Rwanda to cease its alleged support for the M23 and facilitate the group’s withdrawal.
Joyce Msuya, Deputy UN Relief Chief, further stressed the dire humanitarian conditions in the region. “Over 21 million people across Congo require aid—the highest number globally. The scale of suffering demands urgent attention,” she said, calling on all parties to avoid heavy weaponry in populated areas and to respect international laws safeguarding civilians.
The UN leadership continues to emphasize the need for swift Security Council action to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of millions caught in the crossfire.