United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres held urgent calls this week with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) leader Félix Tshisekedi amid explosive violence in eastern DRC. The UN chief demanded Rwanda halt support for M23 rebels and withdraw troops to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
Goma Under Siege
The M23 armed group now controls parts of Goma, a major eastern city. Hospitals are overwhelmed, electricity and water supplies are cut, and UN peacekeepers are trapped in their bases. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, with reports of looting, gender-based violence, and thousands fleeing their homes.
‘Breaking Point’ for Aid Workers
Humanitarian teams described a nightmare scenario: ambulances targeted during evacuations, warehouses looted, and medical staff struggling to treat the wounded. UN personnel have begun relocating non-essential staff as protests in Kinshasa turned violent, with demonstrators attacking UN buildings and embassies.
What’s Next?
Guterres warned of a potential ‘total collapse’ of order if fighting continues. The UN hopes to resume aid delivery soon, but with M23 rebels still advancing, resolution seems distant. As one local tweeted: ‘We need peace, not more hashtags.’
