The United Nations has raised alarm over a sharp escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where new warfare tactics and a worsening humanitarian crisis are putting civilians at growing risk.
Briefing the United Nations Security Council, Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of MONUSCO, highlighted the increasing use of offensive drones and GPS signal jamming in densely populated urban areas. Incidents near Bangoka Airport in Kisangani and across Goma have intensified concerns over threats to civilian infrastructure.
Beyond the battlefield, access restrictions are severely limiting the UN’s ability to monitor human rights violations. Journalists and activists in areas controlled by the M23 reportedly face intimidation and arbitrary detention.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with food insecurity projected to affect 26.6 million people this year—nearly a quarter of the population.
Meanwhile, Kinshasa has renewed accusations against Rwanda, alleging that its defense forces are backing M23 offensives. Addressing the Council, Zénon Ngay Mukongo described the situation as a “grave violation” of national sovereignty, reporting hundreds of civilian deaths and mass displacement.
Source: AfricaNews
