Deadly Attack by M23 Rebels Kills Seven Civilians in RDC: MONUSCO Strongly Condemns
The recent offensive by the armed group M23 in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resulted in the deaths of at least seven civilians on January 2nd, as reported by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). This attack, which took place in North Kivu on January 2nd, also led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people, worsening an already alarming humanitarian crisis.
Escalation of Violence and International Response
Ms. Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and head of MONUSCO, condemned this escalation of violence, describing it as a “tragic turning point” at the beginning of 2025. She stated, “This M23 offensive constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreed upon in the Luanda process and cruelly affects civilian populations.”
Reports from the United Nations suggest that the M23, with the support of external forces, has seized control of the strategic town of Masisi, heightening tensions in the region. This attack signifies a resumption of hostilities despite calls for respecting the DRC’s territorial integrity and returning to dialogue.
Humanitarian Impact and International Calls for Ceasefire
Ongoing fighting in North Kivu, particularly around the town of Sake, continues to force large-scale population displacement. Humanitarian organizations report that civilians, forced to flee, are facing precarious living conditions exacerbated by the lack of security and limited access to basic services.
The United States responded to the situation by denouncing the “flagrant ceasefire violations” in a statement released on January 6th by Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US Department of State. Washington called on the M23 to immediately halt hostilities and urged Rwanda to withdraw its military forces from the DRC, emphasizing the need for all parties to honor their commitments under the Luanda process.
International Condemnation and Warning of Sanctions
Meanwhile, the European Union condemned the occupation of Masisi by the M23 and cautioned against possible sanctions targeting those responsible for the escalation of violence. This incident underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the DRC to prevent further loss of civilian lives and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.