As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.
The U.N. Security Council convened on Wednesday to address the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance south towards Uvira after seizing Bukavu, marking the most significant loss for Congo since Goma fell in January.
“It is imperative that this council takes urgent and decisive steps to avert a wider regional war,” said Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in the DRC. Congo’s foreign minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, urged action, saying, “Standing by silently while civilians are killed is not a solution.”
The M23 advance represents the most serious escalation in over a decade of conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle over Congo’s mineral wealth. While the U.N., Congo, and Western powers accuse Rwanda of backing M23 with arms and troops, Kigali denies any involvement. “Rwanda cannot take the blame for the problems that DRC has faced endemically,” said Rwanda’s U.N. Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo.
Bukavu remained calm after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, moved into the eastern Congolese city with little resistance from government forces. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and potential impacts on DR Congo's vital mineral exports.
Bukavu, DRC—Chaos has erupted as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reach the city’s outskirts, triggering gunfire, looting, and fears of further escalation.
The Rwanda-backed rebels who seized the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have declared a unilateral ceasefire starting on Tuesday.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged a strong military response to M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing them and condemning global inaction. He called for national resilience and a humanitarian plan for the displaced.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Rwanda’s president that Washington is deeply troubled by the fall of Goma to Rwandan-backed rebels. As fighting escalates, the US is urging the UN Security Council to take action to halt the offensive in eastern Congo.
Desperate residents in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing severe cash shortages as banks remain shut following the M23 rebel group’s seizure of the city. With no access to their funds, many are struggling to afford food, electricity, and basic necessities.
Burundi is struggling to cope with a rapid influx of over 40,000 refugees fleeing intensified fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UN has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis as thousands arrive daily, many in urgent need of aid.
The city of Buriticupu, in Brazil’s northeastern Amazon, is facing a worsening crisis as massive sinkholes continue to expand, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 1,200 residents are at risk of losing their homes.
Hamas has handed over the bodies of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, deepening national mourning in Israel. Their fate had remained uncertain for months after their abduction during the October 7, 2023 attack.
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering health insurance executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December, appeared in a New York court on Friday. He faces state murder and terrorism charges, as well as a federal case where he could face the death penalty.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Desperate residents in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing severe cash shortages as banks remain shut following the M23 rebel group’s seizure of the city. With no access to their funds, many are struggling to afford food, electricity, and basic necessities.
Burundi is struggling to cope with a rapid influx of over 40,000 refugees fleeing intensified fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UN has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis as thousands arrive daily, many in urgent need of aid.
German police have arrested a suspect in connection with a stabbing at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial on Friday evening. The attack, which left one man seriously injured, comes just days before a pivotal national election.
France has handed over control of a military base in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, Abidjan, while retaining 80 military personnel for training. The move is part of a broader reduction of French forces in West and Central Africa.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
Desperate residents in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing severe cash shortages as banks remain shut following the M23 rebel group’s seizure of the city. With no access to their funds, many are struggling to afford food, electricity, and basic necessities.
Burundi is struggling to cope with a rapid influx of over 40,000 refugees fleeing intensified fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UN has warned of an escalating humanitarian crisis as thousands arrive daily, many in urgent need of aid.
The city of Buriticupu, in Brazil’s northeastern Amazon, is facing a worsening crisis as massive sinkholes continue to expand, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. More than 1,200 residents are at risk of losing their homes.
Hamas has handed over the bodies of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, deepening national mourning in Israel. Their fate had remained uncertain for months after their abduction during the October 7, 2023 attack.
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering health insurance executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December, appeared in a New York court on Friday. He faces state murder and terrorism charges, as well as a federal case where he could face the death penalty.
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