UN warns of ‘regional conflagration’ as DRC violence uproots 500,000 people

The UN deputy spokesperson said Secretary-General António Guterres has been “deeply alarmed” by the surge in attacks in South Kivu, where what is officially known as Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has progressed in several cities since December 2.

The UN and Security Council have repeatedly described the Tutsi-majority M23 militia as being supported by Rwanda, but Kigali has consistently denied any support.

“The Secretary-General emphasizes that this escalation risks seriously undermining efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the crisis and increases the risk of a broader regional conflagration“said Farhan Haq in a statement.

Dozens of civilian deaths and many others injured were also reported in Kamanyola, Luvungi, Katogota and Uvira, causing mass displacement and civilian casualties.

Mr. Guterres called for an “immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” urging all parties to honor commitments made under the Convention. peace agreements signed by the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda in Washington on December 4 and the Doha Framework Agreement concluded in November.

He added that the UN remains “fully mobilized” to support vital aid and ongoing diplomacy, stressing that “the risk of a regional conflagration is real and the need for de-escalation is urgent.”

Dramatic escalation

The United Nations Aid Coordination Office (OCHA) said new assessments indicate that more than 500,000 people have been displaced in just over a week, a dramatic increase from previous estimates.

While some families have returned to areas where fighting has temporarily calmed, most remain in overcrowded sites where the risk of outbreaks of cholera, mpox and other diseases is rapidly increasing.

In the key town of Uvira – which was reportedly overrun by AFC/M23 fighters on Wednesday – the situation was described as relatively calm on Thursday, although sporadic shooting continued in several neighborhoods.

Radio Okapioperated by the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCOreported that the city’s streets were deserted, the border post with Burundi closed and residents sheltering at home in fear and uncertainty.

Hospitals are “struggling to cope”

Hospitals are struggling to cope. The main referral hospital in Uvira receives a constant influx of injured patients, including more than 60 people transferred after the Ruzizi hospital ceased operations due to insecurity.

On Wednesday, an explosion in the Kimanga district of Uvira reportedly killed two civilians and injured three others.

Since December 8, more than 27,000 people have fled to Tanganyika province, bordering South Kivu, arriving in Kisongo, Kabimba and along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Fears of regional repercussions

Violence has also pushed people across the borders of the DRC: around 50,000 people have crossed into Burundi, where conditions in makeshift sites remain “very precarious”, according to OCHA.

Many refugees – mainly women and children – are exhausted, injured and in urgent need of shelter, food, water, sanitation and protection.

Additional arrivals were also reported in Rwanda, where the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCRsupports registration, health and nutrition services, hot meals and child protection assistance at the Nyarushishi transit center.

A year of escalation of conflict

This latest surge comes after one of the most volatile years in recent memory in eastern DRC.

Fighting between Congolese armed forces, local militias and M23-aligned fighters intensified sharply earlier this year, culminating with the fall of Goma in January and repeated waves of displacement across North and South Kivu.

The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, said the new escalation “severely undermines the prospects for a lasting settlement”. and risks triggering wider regional tensions.

He urged all armed actors to withdraw from confrontation and facilitate rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.