United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Rwandan forces to withdraw from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday and halt their support for the M23 militia advancing toward the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu.
Guterres condemned the ongoing offensive by the M23 group, which has been bolstered by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).
He urged the M23 fighters to cease all hostilities and vacate the areas they had occupied.
Additionally, he called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and stop supporting the militia.
The UN chief had previously referred to a UN experts’ report linking Rwanda to the M23 group but had not directly demanded a withdrawal until now.
Guterres reminded all parties involved of their obligations under international humanitarian law, emphasising that attacks on UN personnel could constitute war crimes.
The M23, also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army, has been intensifying its offensive around Goma, displacing over 230,000 people amid ongoing violence.
Eastern DRC remains a volatile region, with a mix of armed groups vying for control over its valuable mineral resources.
