United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made an urgent call on Thursday to “silence the guns” in the conflict affecting northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where there has been a troubling increase in violence in recent weeks.

During his address at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres highlighted Rwanda’s responsibility in this context, pointing to its role as a financier of the March 23 Movement (M23).

Guterres urged all parties involved to halt the escalation of the conflict and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, as well as human rights and international humanitarian law. “There is no military solution,” he emphasized.

Additionally, the Secretary-General announced that leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will meet in Tanzania on Friday to address the crisis caused by M23’s actions, which are supported by Rwandan Defense Forces.

Despite Rwanda’s denials of any collaboration with M23, these accusations have previously been backed by reports from both the UN and the European Union, which have pointed to Kigali’s direct involvement in the conflict.

Earlier this week, a ceasefire had been announced following M23’s capture of Goma, the capital of DRC and home to approximately two million people. However, the group broke this commitment by taking control of a city south of Goma, as confirmed by Vital Kamerhe, President of the National Assembly.

Guterres also underscored that there are numerous reports of human rights abuses in the region, including sexual and gender-based violence, forced recruitment, and disruption of vital aid. The humanitarian situation in Goma and its surroundings is critical, with ongoing conflict wreaking havoc in South Kivu and posing a risk of spreading throughout the region.

Finally, a report presented by Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Chief of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (Monusco), revealed that nearly 3,000 people have died due to fighting between Congolese forces and M23 over the past week in Goma and its vicinity. The international community watches with concern as this violent escalation continues to have severe humanitarian repercussions.

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