U.S. pledges support for DRC territorial integrity

Graphic content / An abandoned vehicle of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) is seen on a partially empty street in Goma on January 30, 2025.

• Urges M23 to withdraw its troops, stop offensive
The United States has strongly condemned the seizure of Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu by M23 and Rwanda forces, while pledging their continued support for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), its people and the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Chargé d ’Affaires ad interim of United States to United Nations, Ambassador Dorothy Shea, speaking at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, again urged M23 to immediately cease its offensives and withdraw from all territories of which it has taken control.

She reiterated United States support to MONUSCO and all UN personnel enhancing peaceful and humanitarian responses to the crisis in eastern DRC, adding that the United States is prepared to leverage all tools at their disposal to hold accountable those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC.

“For months, we have consistently watched M23 and Rwanda ignore ceasefires, seize territory under false pretexts, and deny intention of further expansion, only to start the cycle anew.

“We have witnessed M23 sow chaos and wage brutal violence against civilians on the streets of Masisi, Goma, and now Bukavu, all under the disingenuous guise of “liberation” or “restoring order,” she said.

Rwanda was also urged to cease supporting M23, immediately withdraw its forces from the DRC, and hold accountable those who perpetrate human rights abuses and violations.

According to Shea, there has been confirmed reports from Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of summary executions of children at the hands of M23 in Bukavu, among other serious human rights abuses.

We condemn these abuses, for which there cannot be continued impunity. We watched with concern Monday’s demonstrations at MONUSCO bases in Goma; we remain alarmed by reliable reports that M23, with Rwandan support, are orchestrating these protests, which have killed peacekeepers and civilians in the past.

“We condemn these and all actions that harm UN peacekeepers and undermine MONUSCO’s civilian protection mandate, which is so instrumental at this moment in eastern DRC.

“M23 must immediately cease its hostile threats against MONUSCO, reopen the Goma airport, and ensure the UN’s full freedom of movement, particularly at border crossings.

She tasked UN to engage Rwandan government to ensure peacekeepers safety, but if not adhered to, Rwanda’s participation in UN peacekeeping should be reevaluated.

She also called for protection and free movement of civilians seeking safety and for all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, stop attacks on civilian infrastructure, and guarantee unhindered humanitarian access.

“Intense and sustained pressure is needed now to compel Rwanda to return to the negotiations under the Angola-led Luanda Process and to work in good faith toward a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC,” she added.

Shea stated that the United States is prepared to work with Council members on sanctions nominations in the 1533 Committee and urged UN Council members to take urgent action.