The latest advance by the M23 militia, which was established in 2012 to protect Congolese Tutsis’ interests from Hutu armed groups, reportedly resulted in the rebels taking control of two towns. This consolidates months of gains since the militia’s resurgence last year, when commanders, many of whom had joined the national army, claimed the government had broken a demobilisation agreement.

Potential crimes of war

During strikes by M23 on one of the allegedly conquered towns, Kiwanja in North Kivu, on Saturday while carrying out their protection mandate, two UN soldiers were hurt by mortar fire and another two by small weapons.

According to a statement issued by the Mission, “MONUSCO recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and that it will spare no effort to pursue those involved before national and/or international courts.”

The M23’s hostile activities and their grave effects on the civilian population are severely condemned by the Mission.

“It demands that this rebel group immediately end all hostilities and issues a warning that it is prepared to retaliate vehemently should further aggression against its bases.”

‘Immediate de-escalation’ is demanded

It was made clear in the statement issued on Sunday by the UN Spokesperson on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres that the UN chief had spoken with Presidents of Angola, Joo Lourenço, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, of Kenya, William Ruto, and of Senegal, Macky Sall, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union.

According to press sources, the DRC ordered the Rwandan ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours over the weekend after accusing Kigali of helping the M23 rebels once more, a charge that Kigali has frequently refuted.

The statement continued, “The Secretary-General called for an immediate de-escalation and reiterated the full support of the United Nations for the ongoing mediation, which is being led by the president of Angola, as well as the Organization’s support for the so-called Nairobi process, which is being headed by the former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Unconditionally” disarm

“The Secretary-General calls on the M23 and all armed organisations to end hostilities right away and disarm completely. He demands that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected.

Additionally, Mr. Guterres urged all parties to “guarantee the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law” and to make it easier for aid workers to access the eastern DRC. He also exhorts everyone on stage to avoid inciting hatred or violence.

The UN president reaffirmed that the UN would continue to support the Congolese government and people in general “in their efforts to bring about peace and stability in the east of the nation” through Bintou Keita, his Special Representative and the head of MONUSCO.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.