UPDATE - UN peacekeeping chief calls on M23 rebels to withdraw from Democratic Republic of Congo

ADDS ANOTHER UN STATEMENT, MORE INFO

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – The UN peacekeeping chief on Sunday called on M23 rebels to end their activities and leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"It's essential for the M23 to cease its activities and withdraw from occupied territory. Violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC is a violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter," Jean-Pierre Lacroix told an emergency UN Security Council meeting virtually.

In the last 48 hours, two UN Organization Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers from South Africa and one peacekeeper from Uruguay were killed, and 11 injured peacekeepers are being treated in the UN hospital in Goma.

Saying the attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes, Lacroix said MONUSCO remains committed to the "robust defense of its mandate under very challenging conditions."

"The council must honor the sacrifice made by the peacekeepers who have laid down their lives in pursuit of this noble goal by sending a clear and unequivocal message to the M23 and its packers that actions endangering the lives of civilians and UN peacekeepers will not be tolerated," he said.

He also urged all parties to the conflict to abide by international humanitarian law.

"It is still possible to avoid the worst, as long as this council acts without any further delay," he stressed.

The M23 rebels on Sunday announced the closure of airspace over the city of Goma, claiming the coalition forces supporting Congo’s Kinshasa regime are using Goma Airport to load bombs.

The M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, capturing key towns and advancing toward Goma, 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.

- Crisis in Congo is at 'dangerous point'

Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative for the country, said despite ongoing MONUSCO support to Congo’s Armed Forces, M23 and Rwandan forces penetrated the Munigi quarter on the outskirts of Goma, causing mass panic and public flight.

Roads are blocked and the airport can no longer be used for evacuation or humanitarian efforts. The M23 declared Goma’s airspace closed, said Keita, who is also serving as the chief of MONUSCO.

"In other words, we are trapped. I call on this council to act now to secure the civilian population, humanitarian aid workers, and all United Nations personnel," she stressed.

Keita also urged Rwanda to withdraw its support for the M23 and ensure its withdrawal from Congo's territory.

Joyce Msuya, deputy UN relief chief, said the crisis in eastern Congo is at a "dangerous point."

"More than 21 million people already need aid across the country, one of the highest numbers worldwide," she said.

Urging all parties to avoid using explosives and heavy weapons in populated areas and to respect laws protecting civilians, Msuya asked Security Council members to use their influence to end the crisis.

"The scale of suffering in the DRC demands urgent attention. The plight of the country's women, men, and children cannot continue to go unnoticed," she added.