UN Chief Warns of Imminent Crisis Amid Escalating Violence in DR Congo

"UN Chief Alerts of Crisis as Violence Surges in DR Congo"

UN chief Antonio Guterres emphasized preserving DRC's territorial integrity amid M23 attacks, urging regional escalation be avoided and criticizing the AU's response.

Alex Chen16 February 2025Last Update : 7 days ago

‘Over the precipice’: UN chief sounds alarm on DR Congo fighting | News

www.aljazeera.com

On February 15, 2025, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the preservation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) territorial integrity following attacks by M23 fighters on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Speaking at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres emphasized the need to avoid regional escalation amid reports of M23 forces claiming control of Kavumu airport.

6 Key Takeaways

UN chief emphasizes DRC's territorial integrity.
M23 fighters claim control of Bukavu airport.
Regional escalation must be avoided, warns Guterres.
Rwanda denies backing M23, blames Hutu groups.
EU considers options against Rwandan involvement.
AU criticized for its lack of decisive action.

Fast Answer: UN chief Antonio Guterres called for the preservation of the DRC’s territorial integrity after M23 fighters attacked Bukavu. The situation escalated as M23 claimed control of Kavumu airport, prompting concerns from the African Union and the European Union regarding regional stability.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has intensified, particularly in South Kivu, where M23 fighters are reportedly gaining ground. Guterres warned that the fighting threatens to destabilize the entire region. Local media reported explosions in Bukavu, with casualties occurring as M23 fighters advance. The situation has drawn international attention, with calls for a ceasefire and a more robust response from regional bodies.

Key developments include:

M23 fighters have seized control of Kavumu airport.
The group now controls both South Kivu and North Kivu, areas rich in mineral resources.
Rwanda has denied military support to M23, despite allegations from UN experts suggesting otherwise.

Outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the need for a ceasefire, while Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s actions at the Munich Security Conference. The European Union is considering various options in response to the escalating violence, including potential sanctions against Rwanda for its alleged involvement in supporting M23.

Notice: Canadian readers should be aware of the potential impacts of international conflicts on global mineral supply chains, particularly given Canada‘s significant mining sector.

The situation in the DRC remains critical, with international bodies urging immediate action to prevent further escalation. The control of strategic locations like Kavumu airport by M23 poses significant risks not only to regional stability but also to international interests in the area.