UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the protection of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) territorial integrity after M23 fighters attacked Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, amid the ongoing DR Congo conflict.
Speaking at an African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres stressed the need to avoid a regional escalation. This came after M23 forces, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed to control Kavumu airport in Bukavu.
“The ongoing conflict in South Kivu, driven by the M23 offensive, threatens the stability of the entire region,” Guterres told summit leaders. Though he did not mention Rwanda directly, his warning was clear.
Local media reported explosions in Bukavu on Saturday morning, along with casualties. The growing conflict in eastern DRC has raised concerns about a wider regional war. International bodies have called for action, but the AU has faced criticism for its lack of a strong response.
Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi, reporting from Nairobi, spoke to M23 commanders. They confirmed they were securing Bukavu. After a raid in Goma, military officers at Kavumu airport reportedly fled, leaving the area under M23 control. The group now holds key positions in both South Kivu and North Kivu, which are rich in mineral resources.
M23 has also taken control of Lake Kivu, a vital route for transporting supplies between the two provinces.
Rwanda denies involvement, tensions rise
Rwanda continues to deny supporting M23 militarily. However, it accuses armed Hutu groups in DRC of threatening its security. A UN report last year stated that Rwanda had 4,000 soldiers in the DRC and exerted de facto control over M23.
Outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat called for a ceasefire. He urged African nations to mobilise and end the violence. Neither Rwandan President Paul Kagame nor DRC President Félix Tshisekedi attended Friday’s AU meeting.
At the Munich Security Conference, President Tshisekedi called for countries to “blacklist” Rwanda, condemning its “expansionist ambitions.”
EU considers response to the DR Congo conflict
The European Union has expressed concern over M23’s actions. European Commission spokesperson Anouar el-Anouni said the EU is considering all options in response to the situation.
“The EU is alarmed by the actions of the Rwandan-backed M23 forces in Bukavu,” el-Anouni said on social media.
This comes after the European Parliament called for the suspension of a minerals deal with Rwanda. The parliament also voted to freeze Rwanda’s direct budget support, as well as military and security assistance.
