The UN envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bintou Keita, warned the Security Council on Wednesday June 29 against a conflagration which could become uncontrollable in the east of the country where armed groups proliferate.
Read alsoDRC: two soldiers killed in an attack by M23 rebels in the East
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If the M23 (rebel movement) continues its well-coordinated attacks against the FARDC (Congolese armed forces) and MONUSCO with increasing conventional capabilities, the Mission could find itself facing a threat that exceeds its current capabilities
," he said. she warned at a meeting of the Security Council.
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Ongoing activities by M23 and armed groups in eastern DRC threaten to undo hard-won gains in security and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region
,” added Bintou Keita.
The envoy asked for the help of the Security Council to reverse the course of things and push the DRC and Rwanda to find a solution to their division.
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It is imperative that the Council redouble its efforts in favor of a rapid de-escalation of the situation, and the unconditional disarmament of the M23
”, claimed the official.
"
I urge the DRC and Rwanda to seize the next summit to be hosted by President Joao Lourenço in Luanda as an opportunity to resolve their differences through dialogue
," she insisted.
Read alsoDRC: arrest of anti-Rwandophones “carriers of machetes” in Kinshasa
A predominantly Tutsi rebellion defeated in 2013, the M23 took up arms again at the end of last year in eastern DRC, a region plagued by violence from multiple other armed groups for nearly 30 years.
The resurgence of M23 has caused a new crisis between the DRC and Rwanda, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of supporting these rebels, which Rwanda denies.
In May and June, M23 attacks took place in a coordinated manner on several axes in Rutshuru, resulting in the death of several dozen civilians.
More than 170,000 people have been displaced.
