Source: United Nations (Video News)
UN Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Bintou Keita reported that despite multiple international calls for a ceasefire and an end to the offensives, the M23, supported by the Rwandan army, has continued its advance in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with “devastating consequences.” UNIFEED
Addressing the Security Council today (19 Feb) Keita said, “This advance has had devastating consequences, leading to the loss of many lives during the takeover of Goma.”
She continued, “In two weeks, the Congo River Alliance, of which the M23 is a key component, has established a parallel administration in Goma, appointing a governor and a mayor. In South Kivu, the M23 seized Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu, the provincial capital, on February 16. Since then, the M23 has continued its advance and took control of the city of Kamanyola yesterday.”
She highlighted, “The essential MONUSCO infrastructure in Goma and other locations in North Kivu is under extreme pressure. These facilities are sheltering people who have sought refuge there for protection under the Mission, in accordance with international humanitarian law. However, these installations were never designed or equipped to accommodate many people for an extended period. The situation is even more critical as sanitary and hygiene conditions are rapidly deteriorating, posing a risk to both those seeking protection and MONUSCO personnel. This issue is also fueling disinformation and is being used to amplify anti-MONUSCO sentiments.”
She added, “The human rights situation in North and South Kivu has significantly deteriorated. In addition to deaths resulting from clashes between the M23 and the DRC security forces, MONUSCO has also documented cases of forced recruitment.”