Thu Feb 20 07:44:48 UTC 2025: ## UN Warns of Regional Conflict as M23 Rebels Make Gains in Eastern DRC

**Kinshasa, DRC** – The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), expressing grave concern over the rapid advance of the M23 rebel group. The M23’s recent capture of two key cities and ongoing push towards strategic zones in North and South Kivu has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, potentially mirroring the devastating Second Congo War.

UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, informed the Security Council that the M23 is continuing its advance, potentially igniting a regional conflagration with “catastrophic” consequences. While the group’s ultimate intentions remain unclear, the UN highlights the significant risk posed by the M23’s progress, particularly its current position near the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi borders.

Head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the alarming proximity of the M23 to the tri-border region. The recent weeks have seen a dramatic increase in M23 activity, with the group seizing vast territories in eastern DRC. This rapid expansion has sparked fears of a renewed large-scale conflict, potentially involving neighboring countries, and leading to widespread death and suffering similar to the Second Congo War (1998-2003). The UN is actively monitoring the situation and urging all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and seek a peaceful resolution.

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