Rwanda Relations
What cities have been seized by M23 fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo?
M23 fighters, backed by Rwandan soldiers, have seized both Goma and Bukavu, the capital cities of North and South Kivu provinces respectively. This represents a significant territorial advance in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as the armed group continues to push into additional territories in the region. The seizure of these strategic provincial capitals marks a serious escalation in the conflict and has prompted international concern, including condemnation from the UK over the violation of DRC's sovereignty. The situation has broader implications for regional stability as the M23 group extends its control in eastern DRC.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)
WION
01:27 - 01:42
What is the current situation in eastern DRC regarding military deployments and regional tensions?
Uganda's army has deployed troops to Bunia in eastern DRC to combat local militias amid escalating violence. According to UN experts, Rwanda effectively controls the M23 armed group and has deployed at least 4,000 of its own troops to fight alongside this militia in Congolese territory. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of harboring expansionist ambitions and illegally extracting valuable minerals from the region. This multi-faceted conflict involves several national armies and armed groups, creating a complex security crisis in eastern Congo with serious regional implications.
Watch clip answer (00:25m)WION
01:42 - 02:08
What human rights violations has the UN reported in Congo involving the M23 armed group?
The UN has reported that the M23 armed group has committed grave human rights violations in Congo, specifically executing children. According to the UN rights office, the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is deteriorating rapidly, resulting in serious human rights violations and abuses. The UN has issued warnings about the worsening conditions in the region as the crisis deepens. These developments have raised international concerns about the protection of civilians, especially children, in the conflict-affected areas of eastern Congo.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)WION
00:35 - 00:49
How did the UK respond to Rwanda's military involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The UK summoned Rwanda's envoy to condemn advances made by the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This diplomatic action followed M23 fighters and Rwandan troops seizing the city of Bukavu on Sunday. The UK's foreign ministry declared these advances an unacceptable violation of DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They explicitly called for Rwanda to immediately withdraw all forces from Congolese territory, taking a firm stance against this military intervention and breach of international norms.
Watch clip answer (00:34m)WION
00:00 - 00:35
What is the Democratic Republic of Congo's complaint against the UN Security Council?
The Congolese UN ambassador submitted a letter to the Security Council denouncing its inability to support the DRC following an attack on the city. The ambassador condemned the Council's paralysis, which has enabled the continuing illegal occupation of Congolese territories by Rwandan Defence Forces. According to the ambassador, this inaction has allowed Rwanda to continue backing the M23 fighters who are occupying parts of the DRC, effectively giving them free reign to operate in Congolese territory.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)
WION
01:03 - 01:27
What has the UN reported about the M23 armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The UN has reported that the M23 armed group has executed children in Congo. According to the UN rights office, the situation in eastern DRC is deteriorating significantly, resulting in serious human rights violations and abuses across the region. The worsening humanitarian crisis has prompted warnings from the UN, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention as the M23 group continues its activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)WION
00:35 - 00:49