Security Council hears of alarming levels of violence in eastern DRC

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The security situation in eastern DRC has continued to deteriorate, reaching alarming levels of violence and civilian displacement.

That was the message to the Security Council from the Special Representative of the Secretary General Bintou Keita who is also the head of the UN’s Peacekeeping operation, MONUSCO in that country.

Keita raised the alarm at the rapid expansion of the M23-rebel group despite the collaborative operations of MONUSCO in support of the DRC Army and the SADC mission known as SAMIDRC.

The United States indicated that upwards of 4 000 Rwandan troops were now present on DRC soil and that its military interventions and operations in North Kivu have extended beyond mere support for the M23 operations, to direct and decisive involvement, calling Kigali’s actions irresponsible.

Keita told the Council that they were witnessing one of the most severe, complex and neglected humanitarian crises of our time in eastern DRC, pointing to escalating violence that continues to trigger massive displacement, some 7.3 million at last count, the vast majority in the east of the country where sexual violence is rampant.

“The security situation in eastern DRC has continued to deteriorate, reaching alarming levels of violence and civilian displacements. I am extremely concerned about the rapid expansion of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) in North Kivu and the spill over into South Kivu, despite numerous operations conducted by the FARDC, regularly supported by MONUSCO and SAMIDRC. During their latest military offensive, the M23 and its backers burnt several FARDC bases and triggered additional population displacements, further exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian and human rights situation.”

As documented by the Group of Experts, which reports to the Sanctions Committee established by this Council, the Government of Rwanda has reinforced its support to the M23, enabling it to make major territorial gains across eastern DRC. The rapidly escalating M23 crisis carries the very real risk of provoking a wider regional conflict.

South African soldiers deployed as part of SAMIDRC were ambushed earlier this month in Sake, North Kivu by M23 rebels who killed two SANDF soldiers while injuring more than 20.

“I would like on this occasion to express my deep condolences to South Africa which lost two soldiers on June 25 during an attack in M23 mortar against its base in Saké. I also wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.”

The United States raising questions about MONUSCO’s support to the SADC Forces operating in the East. Listen to Acting Deputy US Ambassador to the UN, Stephanie Sullivan.

“The United States recognises the role and sacrifices of SAMIDRC in supporting the DRC government’s efforts to defend its territorial integrity. The primary goal of the United States in eastern DRC is to support a de-escalation of the conflict and put an end to the instability and human suffering the conflict has caused. That is why we believe this Council should guard against steps that could further inflame regional tensions, including extending significant MONUSCO support to SAMIDRC. We are concerned extensive MONUSCO support to SAMIDRC may not reflect our shared interest in securing a political solution to the conflict. This is why we support the Council authorising only limited MONUSCO support to SADC’s mission within its area of deployment, in furtherance of its mandate, without prejudice to its tasks, and within existing resources.”

With calls on both Rwanda and the DRC to urgently take steps to de-escalate the situation, with Kinshasa’s envoy Ambassador, Zenon Ngay Mukongo, calling for sanctions to be imposed on its neighbour.

“The much-desired cessation of hostility and de-escalation will not be possible as long as Rwanda and its M23 allies continue to fan the flames of the conflict and as long as Rwandan leaders fail to respect their commitments under the Luanda process. The Democratic Republic of the Congo will defend its territorial integrity, its sovereignty and the security of its people at all costs, while remaining open to a political settlement of the conflict with Rwanda through diplomatic channels. However, that path will only be credible if Rwandan troops effectively withdraw from Congolese territory in order to allow for frank and constructive dialogue.”

Rwanda’s envoy, Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, accusing SAMIDRC, a force operating at the invitation of the DRC Government, of not being neutral in the conflict, accusing it of fighting alongside the DRC’s national army that fights alongside the Hutu rebel group the FDLR that has attacked Tutsi’s in both countries.

“In an effort to secure a more offensive force, the DRC government called upon SADC countries to intervene. In light of this, it is easy to agree that SAMIDRC is far from being neutral. In fact, it has even coalesced with ethnically-charged illegal armed groups like the FDLR acting under the guise of FARDC. It is well known that FARDC operates and is embedded with FDLR and provides military, financial and other support. This support to the FDLR poses a great threat to Rwanda security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. FDLR is a threat to Rwanda and the Great Lakes region at large in its renewed capacity to cause harm. Thanks to the support it receives from DRC’s highest authorities, which even vowed to resist regime change in Rwanda. FDLR also causes a great threat to regional stability because of its dangerous genocidal ideology, a cancer which has taken deep roots within the Congolese population.”

The UN further expressing a desire that a two-week truce agreed to by the parties on July 4, including both the DRC and Rwanda, be extended beyond its July 19 conclusion.