EU Security Council Convenes Again to Address Escalating Crisis in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Rebels Advance

EU Security Council Convenes Again to Address Escalating Crisis in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Rebels Advance

The United Nations Security Council held its second meeting in three days on Tuesday to address the deepening crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly the rapidly worsening situation in the regional capital, Goma. UN agencies on the ground reported chaotic scenes in the streets of Goma as the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, advanced through the city, increasing the scale of violence, displacement, and humanitarian need.

On Monday, M23 rebels claimed to have seized control of Goma, although the exact extent of their control remains unclear. The ongoing conflict in the North Kivu province, which includes Goma, has been marked by escalating violence, with thousands fleeing the city, widespread looting, and reports of bodies lying in the streets. UN officials described hospitals in Goma as overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, and the city is facing critical shortages of food, water, and electricity.

During the Security Council meeting, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, strongly condemned Rwanda’s involvement, asserting that Rwanda should not be allowed to “continue to act with impunity.” She called the situation in Goma dire, saying that “millions have been displaced, and thousands are trapped in the besieged city with restricted access to essential services and security. Countless lives have been lost.”

Minister Wagner demanded immediate action from the UN Security Council to address the situation. She presented five key actions that she argued were essential for achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict:

  1. The unconditional withdrawal of foreign troops from Congolese territory.
  2. Sanctions against the Rwandan Defence Force.
  3. Suspension of Rwanda’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
  4. An embargo on Rwanda’s illicit exploitation and exportation of mineral resources from the DRC.
  5. A concerted international effort to halt Rwanda’s financial backing of the armed groups operating in the DRC.

In her remarks, Wagner stressed that the introduction of an embargo on Rwanda’s mineral trade was crucial to stopping the flow of funds that fuel the ongoing violence. This step, she argued, would be pivotal in undermining the financial support for the M23 and other armed groups.

The DRC’s request was met with strong support from several Western powers, including the United States, United Kingdom, and France, who condemned Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels and expressed deep concern over the destabilizing effect of the group’s advance on the region.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of civilians have fled Goma since the M23 rebels first entered the city on Sunday. Local authorities and international organizations have reported significant displacement, as families seek safety in neighboring areas. Goma, a key regional trade and humanitarian hub, has become the epicenter of the crisis, with many fearing that its fall could exacerbate the humanitarian disaster.

The conflict in North Kivu has its roots in long-standing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, with a complex mix of ethnic and political factors at play. The M23 rebels are one of approximately 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich region, which is vital to global supply chains for critical materials used in technology manufacturing.

In response to the escalating violence, the United States has urged the UN Security Council to consider further measures to halt the M23 offensive. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, however, announced he would not attend an emergency summit of the East African Community (EAC) set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, signaling that the government of the DRC continues to push for stronger international action and not just regional diplomacy.

As the crisis deepens, international pressure on Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels is expected to intensify, while the humanitarian toll on civilians in Goma and surrounding areas continues to rise. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent support to provide aid to those affected by the violence.

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