The UN Security Council strongly condemned a recent surge of attacks by the March 23 Movement (M23) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which resulted in civilian casualties and injured a peacekeeper.
In a June 20th statement, the Council also denounced attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the May 3rd assault on the Mugunga camp for internally displaced persons.
The Council expressed deep concern that these attacks worsen the already dire security and humanitarian situation in the DRC, particularly for civilians in displacement camps. The M23 offensive near Kanyabayonga reportedly displaced 350,000 people in just one week, disrupting food distribution and medical services.
The Council urged increased donor support for the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan and reiterated its backing for MONUSCO’s efforts to protect civilians and ensure aid access.
The statement called on all parties to respect international law, facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access, and engage in intensified diplomatic dialogue to achieve a lasting peaceful solution.
The Council further condemned attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers and M23’s pressure tactics. They denounced the use of heavy weapons near peacekeeping bases, endangering civilians and personnel. Finally, the Council urged the Secretary-General, member states, and the Congolese government to take all necessary measures to guarantee MONUSCO’s safety and security.
