The Deputy Spokesperson for the UN conveyed that Secretary-General António Guterres was “deeply alarmed” by the increased attacks in South Kivu, where the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars (AFC/M23) advanced into several towns since December 2.
The UN and Security Council have described the majority-Tutsi M23 militia as backed by Rwanda, though Kigali has consistently denied involvement.
“The Secretary-General emphasizes that this escalation could severely undermine efforts for a sustainable resolution and heightens the risk of a broader regional conflict,” stated Farhan Haq.
Reported civilian casualties include dozens of deaths and many injuries in Kamanyola, Luvungi, Katogota, and Uvira, leading to mass displacement.
Mr. Guterres called for an “immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” urging all parties to uphold commitments from the December 4 peace accords signed by DRC and Rwanda leaders and the Doha Framework Agreement reached in November.
He added that the UN remains “fully mobilized” to support lifesaving assistance and diplomatic efforts, warning that “the risk of regional conflict is real, and the need for de-escalation is urgent.”
The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) stated that over 500,000 people have been displaced in just over a week, a steep increase from earlier counts.
Although some families returned to temporarily calm areas, many remain in overcrowded sites with rising disease outbreak risks.
In Uvira, reportedly taken by AFC/M23 on Wednesday, conditions were relatively calm Thursday, despite sporadic gunfire.
Radio Okapi, operated by the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO, reported deserted streets, a closed border with Burundi, and residents sheltering in fear.
Hospitals face overwhelming challenges, with Uvira’s main hospital receiving many injured, including 60 transfers from Ruzizi Hospital, which ceased operations due to insecurity.
An explosion in Uvira’s Kimanga neighborhood reportedly killed two civilians and injured three others.
Over 27,000 people have fled to Tanganyika Province since December 8, arriving in Kisongo, Kabimba, and along Lake Tanganyika’s shores.
Previous fighting in eastern DR Congo has pushed thousands into neighboring Burundi. Displaced families have arrived at Rugombo transit site in Cibitoke Province (file photo).
The violence has driven an estimated 50,000 people across DRC’s borders into Burundi, where makeshift site conditions are “very precarious,” according to OCHA.
Many refugees, primarily women and children, are exhausted, injured, and urgently need shelter, food, water, sanitation, and protection services.
Further arrivals have been reported in Rwanda, where the UNHCR provides registration, health and nutrition services, hot meals, and child protection assistance at the Nyarushishi Transit Centre.
The current surge follows a volatile year in eastern DRC. Fighting between Congolese armed forces, local militias, and M23-aligned fighters intensified this year, culminating in Goma’s fall in January and repeated displacements across North and South Kivu.
UN Special Envoy Huang Xia remarked that the escalation “seriously undermines prospects for a durable settlement” and could spark broader regional tensions.
He urged armed groups to retreat from confrontation and enable rapid, unhindered humanitarian access.
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