
U.S. Deputy U.N. Ambassador Robert Wood stated during the council session that the individuals in question bear responsibility for numerous abuses. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining and fully implementing sanctions to stem the flow of funds and arms to those perpetuating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Wood called on the international community to promptly take action to halt the fighting in eastern Congo and ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda. Both countries attribute the instability to each other.
Expressing grave concern, the United Nations highlighted the deterioration in North Kivu province following the expiration of a cease-fire at the end of December between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Congolese army (FARDC).
Bintu Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo (MONUSCO), reported that fighting between the M23 and FARDC has intensified in various areas since January 28. Additionally, the M23 has extended its presence further south, resulting in the displacement of more populations towards Goma and South Kivu.
The M23 rebels are targeting Goma, the capital of North Kivu, home to 2 million people, where approximately 135,000 displaced individuals have sought refuge this month, according to U.N. estimates. Reports indicate that the rebels are now situated in the hills near Sake town, which is 25 kilometres away from Goma.
According to MONUSCO’s Keita, the ongoing conflict is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Displacement camps are overwhelmed with people, and there has been a surge in cholera and measles cases. Goma’s isolation is disrupting food production and supply chains, leading to increased prices for essential goods.
The United Nations made an appeal on Tuesday for $2.6 billion to aid nearly 9 million of the most vulnerable Congolese individuals this year. Overall, more than 25 million people require assistance, including 8.4 million individuals affected by acute malnutrition, with the majority being children.