UN Chief Urges Respect for DRC’s Territorial Integrity Amid Escalating Conflict

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the respect of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) territorial integrity and warned against regional escalation during the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, Arab News reported.

His remarks came a day after Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seized Bukavu, the second provincial capital in eastern DRC, following their capture of Goma last month. The conflict has intensified international pressure on Rwanda, accused of supporting the rebels, though Kigali denies involvement.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, absent from the summit, urged nations to “blacklist” Rwanda for its alleged “expansionist ambitions.”

The European Union warned that the violation of DRC’s sovereignty “will not go unanswered,” as sporadic gunfire and looting were reported in Bukavu. The conflict, alongside crises in Sudan and reduced US aid, has highlighted the challenges facing the AU, which observers have criticized for its ineffectiveness in addressing regional conflicts.