Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have been described as controllers of large parts of eastern Congo by top U.N. official Bintou Keita during the latest briefing to the security council.
She revealed that the rebel group threatens to expand their offensive west into two neighboring provinces, in the conflict-torn country
The briefing held on Thursday with the U.N. Security Council expressed worry on what she called “the alarming situation” in Congo.
Bintou Keita pointed to the M23 rebels’ installation of an administration in South Kivu, and “a mining delegate” in North Kivu – another link between decades-old conflicts in eastern Congo and the illegal exploitation of its mineral riches.
The U.N. special representative for Congo also cited the dire situation of tens of thousands of Congolese fleeing the M23 offensive, and massive human rights violations against civilians from more than 100 summary executions to rapes and forced recruitment of children.
At Thursday’s council meeting, Congo’s Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay blamed Rwanda for not adhering to a ceasefire and said his government “remains fully committed and reiterates its trust in any and all peace processes supported by the African Union to bring about a political solution to the conflict.”
He said Rwanda and M23 continue to respond to calls for the withdrawal of all “uninvited” foreign forces from Congo “with violence, with terror.”
And he thanked the countries that have imposed sanctions against Rwanda including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the European Union.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe wouldn’t confirm the presence of Rwandan troops in Congo.
But he said the country’s “defensive measures” will remain in place “until there is a credible framework for long-term security guarantees” along the border with Congo.
