The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels continue their advance, with nine UN peacekeepers injured in recent clashes.
“The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s east remains deeply worrying,” a UN official said on Friday.
Heavy clashes are ongoing for control of the key town of Sake, with UN peacekeepers conducting joint patrols with the Congolese armed forces to support their operations.
The recent M23 offensive has triggered a significant displacement of civilians, with more than 35,000 people fleeing violence in Masisi and seeking refuge in displacement sites in and around Goma.
The M23 rebels claimed responsibility for killing the governor of North Kivu province, further escalating tensions in the region.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the resumption of hostilities, warning of the potential for a broader regional conflict.
He called on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive and withdraw from all occupied areas.
The ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to civilian lives and exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.