UN Security Council demands M23 stop offensive in eastern Congo

On Sunday, the United Nations Security Council called for M23 rebel forces to cease their current offensive and move towards Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and requested that “external forces” in the area withdraw without delay.

The council’s demands arrived shortly after the Rwandan-supported M23 announced they had seized Goma after a rapid advance, prompting thousands to escape and raising fears of a regional conflict. Reuters was unable to independently confirm if the city was entirely under the control of rebels. The 15-member U.N. Security Council convened earlier on Sunday to address the crisis and swiftly reached a consensus on an extensive statement.

The council encouraged Rwanda and the DRC to resume negotiations to secure peace and tackle concerns associated with the presence of Rwanda Defence Forces in eastern Congo and Congolese backing for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

M23 promises to protect Tutsi interests, especially from Hutu militias like the FDLR, created by Hutus who escaped Rwanda after taking part in the 1994 genocide of over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea specifically called out Rwanda for using GPS jamming and spoofing, which was also reflected in the council statement.

“The members of the Security Council are also deeply alarmed by continued occurrences of GPS jamming and spoofing activities in support of M23 operations in North Kivu, which represent imminent risk to civil aviation safety and negatively impact the delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need,” the Security Council said.