The United Nations Security Council on Friday condemned an offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 and demanded that Rwanda withdraw its troops from eastern Congo, while extending the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission for another year.
UN Security Council Resolution
The resolution, adopted unanimously, renewed MONUSCO’s mandate and kept about 11,500 military personnel on the ground. It also called on Rwanda to stop supporting the rebels and to pull its forces back from the conflict zone.
M23’s Recent Actions
M23 claimed on Wednesday that it had withdrawn from Uvira, a strategic city it seized last week. Congo’s government said the withdrawal was “staged” and that the rebels were still present in the city.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador’s Demand
U.S. deputy ambassador Jennifer Locetta told the Council that M23 must immediately withdraw at least 75 kilometers (47 miles) away from Uvira. She urged the rebels to move further from the city’s outskirts.
The U.S.-Mediated Peace Agreement
The rebels were fighting despite a U.S.-mediated peace agreement signed earlier this month by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Washington. The accord did not include M23, which is negotiating separately with Congo and has agreed to a ceasefire that both sides accuse each other of violating.
Accusations of Rwandan Support
Congo, the U.S., and U.N. experts accuse Rwanda of backing M23. According to the U.N., the group has grown from hundreds of members in 2021 to around 6,500 fighters.
Humanitarian Impact
More than 100 armed groups vie for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, with M23 the most prominent. The conflict has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced, according to the U.N. agency for refugees.
MONUSCO’s History and Challenges
MONUSCO arrived in Congo in 2010 after taking over from an earlier U.N. peacekeeping mission that protected civilians and supported the Congolese government. Congolese frustration that no one protects them from rebel attacks has led to protests against the U.N. mission, some of which have turned deadly.
2023 Drawdown Vote
In 2023, at Congo’s request, the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously to draw down the peacekeeping force and gradually hand over its security responsibilities to the Congolese government.
Current Resolution and Future Outlook
The new resolution extends MONUSCO for a year while demanding Rwanda withdraw its troops. It underscores the tension between the UN, Rwanda, and the Congolese government and highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Key Takeaways
- The U.N. Security Council condemned the M23 offensive and demanded Rwanda’s withdrawal.
- MONUSCO’s mandate will continue for another year with about 11,500 troops.
- M23 remains a major threat, with over 6,500 fighters and a record of attacks despite a peace deal.
The UN’s call reflects the urgent need for Rwanda to comply with the resolution and for the international community to address the humanitarian fallout of the conflict.
