M23 Rebels Seize Key Cities in Eastern Congo, UN Warns of Escalating Crisis
The UN reports severe human rights abuses and warns of a potential regional conflict as the M23 militia, supported by Rwanda, advances in North and South Kivu provinces.
- The M23 militia, with alleged support from Rwanda, has captured the major cities of Goma and Bukavu, gaining control of strategic areas in the resource-rich North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The UN has documented severe human rights abuses by M23, including the execution of children, sexual violence, and forced recruitment of civilians, raising alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
- Over 700,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, with thousands seeking refuge in neighboring countries like Burundi, as violence intensifies in the region.
- The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting the conflict to smuggle valuable minerals, while Rwanda denies the allegations and claims its involvement is defensive.
- The UN and international observers warn that the conflict risks escalating into a broader regional war, reminiscent of the Second Congo War that devastated the region from 1998 to 2003.
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