UN Secretary-General Engages Presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo Amidst Ongoing Conflict

United Nations, Jan 29 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged in a phone conversation with the leaders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to address the intensifying conflict within the DRC, as stated by a UN spokesperson.

In response to inquiries about the discussions, Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, remarked during a routine briefing, "The secretary-general clearly addressed the situation in the DRC and has consistently highlighted, both publicly and privately, the necessity for Rwanda to halt its support for the M23 (March 23 Movement) and withdraw from the DRC."

The M23 rebels currently control parts of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, while Rwanda has refuted claims that its troops are operating in the DRC to support M23, according to Xinhua.

During his conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Guterres stressed the importance of safeguarding civilians amidst the ongoing conflict in the DRC.

In a statement released on Sunday, the UN chief expressed profound concern regarding the escalating violence in eastern DRC and reiterated his strongest condemnation of the M23's persistent offensive and advances towards Goma. He urged the M23 to immediately halt all aggressive actions and withdraw from the areas they occupy.

Dujarric also noted during the briefing that the situation in Goma remains tense and unstable.

"Reports indicate that M23 forces are present within the city, and UN peacekeeping personnel and troops have largely been compelled to stay within their bases," he informed reporters. "Medical facilities in Goma are reportedly overwhelmed, and essential services have, of course, been disrupted."

The spokesperson indicated that the M23 currently controls the airport, with armed confrontations ongoing in various regions, including Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo, further displacing civilians.

He cautioned that the risk of a breakdown in law and order in the city is substantial due to the increasing availability of weapons. The UN mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, reported credible accounts of escapes from the prison in Goma, along with looting by civilians.

The movement of vital supplies and personnel is an urgent concern as hostilities hinder humanitarian efforts, Dujarric stated. Non-essential UN personnel have been temporarily relocated from the capital city of South Kivu Province and its vicinity.

"Our peacekeeping colleagues report that protests in Kinshasa regarding the ongoing situation in the DRC have escalated into violence, with demonstrators setting fire outside of UN facilities — including both peacekeeping and some of our agencies — as well as targeting multiple embassies," the spokesperson noted. "Looting has also been observed in Kinshasa."

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated that the humanitarian situation in and around Goma remains alarming. Hospitals there continue to struggle with an influx of injured individuals, with two ambulances from a local NGO attacked while attempting to evacuate the wounded.

OCHA reported incidents of gender-based violence, property looting, including several humanitarian warehouses, and humanitarian and health facilities impacted by the conflict. Electricity and water supplies remain disrupted, while the phone network is operational, albeit the internet is not fully functional.

Dujarric added that if the situation stabilizes on Wednesday, "We anticipate that aid workers will resume their efforts to address the significant humanitarian needs."