The United Nations' acting top envoy for the Democratic Republic of the Congo warned the Security Council on Thursday that the conflict in the mineral-rich east is escalating and expanding, with increasing use of heavy weapons and offensive drones posing serious risks to civilians.
Vivian van de Perre, head of the nearly 9,000-member UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, said clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese army forces are intensifying in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Despite the withdrawal of Rwanda-backed M23 fighters from the town of Uvira in January, hostilities have shifted front lines, including towards Burundi's border, raising the risk of a regional conflagration.
Van de Perre highlighted two concerning emerging trends: the conflict is expanding from North and South Kivu into Tshopo province, and the use of heavy weapons and drones in urban areas threatens civilians and infrastructure, including Bangoka Airport in Kisangani and Goma town. She also noted that M23 is consolidating parallel administrative structures in areas under its control, undermining state authority and complicating humanitarian aid delivery.
Eastern Congo has endured decades of unrest as government forces battle over 100 armed groups, most notably M23, often over access to mineral riches. The situation in Ituri province remains alarming, with numerous casualties from rebel attacks on mining sites.
After briefing the council, van de Perre told reporters that a ceasefire must be the first step, followed by reopening airports and ensuring freedom of movement for peacekeepers. Massad Boulos, a senior adviser to US President Donald Trump who chaired the meeting, said MONUSCO remains indispensable to the peace process and called on parties to respect their commitments.
