The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has warned that fighting between the government and the AFC/M23 is expanding beyond its traditional strongholds in North and South Kivu into Tshopo Province, far from the usual front lines.
Speaking to the UN Security Council on Thursday, Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of MONUSCO, highlighted the growing use of offensive drones and systematic GPS jamming in urban areas, which pose heightened risks to civilians and infrastructure. She cited incidents affecting Bangoka Airport in Kisangani and locations in Goma as examples of emerging threats.
“Recent fighting has raised serious concerns about the risks posed to civilians and civilian infrastructure,” van de Perre said, adding that restricted access in some areas limits the UN’s ability to monitor human rights abuses. She also noted that journalists and human rights defenders in M23-controlled territories face intimidation and arbitrary detention.
Food insecurity is forecast to affect 26.6 million people this year—approximately a quarter of the DRC’s population—exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
DRC Ambassador Zénon Ngay Mukongo told the Security Council that M23 offensives continue with support from Rwanda’s Defense Forces, describing it as “a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the country. He said that hundreds of civilians have been killed and millions displaced due to the conflict.
The UN’s warnings underscore the escalating security and humanitarian challenges in the region, highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect civilians and stabilize affected areas.
