UN peacekeeping chief calls for 'immediate cessation of hostilities' in Congo

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN peacekeeping chief reiterated on Monday his call for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

During a virtual news conference, Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned about "the risk of a broader humanitarian cluster" as the conflict in Congo escalated, emphasizing the impact on the civilian population in the region, which is already facing a humanitarian crisis.

The M23 rebels closed airspace over Goma on Sunday, claiming that coalition forces supporting Congo's Kinshasa regime are loading bombs at the airport.

The M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, capturing key towns and advancing toward Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied claims of supporting the rebels.

Congo severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda as recent escalations left at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead and thousands of civilians displaced, according to local media reports.

"We also want to avoid the risk of a broader war," Lacroix said while expressing condolences over the killing of UN peacekeepers.

As the M23 rebels claimed they took over Goma on early Monday, Lacroix said the "fate of the millions of civilians living in Goma or having been displaced is really the priority."

He also noted that the UN mission is "temporarily relocating its personnel" for their safety and security.