The United Kingdom has urged all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the M23 rebel group continues to advance in the country’s volatile eastern region.
In a statement on Sunday, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy called for an immediate ceasefire and a peace process led by African nations to resolve the escalating crisis.
“There must be a ceasefire now… And the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected,” Lammy said in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The M23 movement, backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, has taken control of large areas of eastern DRC, according to UN experts. The region, rich in natural resources, has long been plagued by conflict involving armed groups.
Lammy stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to those affected by the fighting.
“We’re calling on all sides to allow assistance to get to those who need it most,” he stated, adding that he had spoken to Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi about the crisis.
In response to the M23 offensive, the UK government summoned Rwanda’s envoy to London on Tuesday to protest the rebel advances. Britain also called on Rwanda to immediately withdraw its Defence forces from Congolese territory.
The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the M23 offensive, particularly the role of Rwandan forces in supporting the rebels.
The crisis escalated further last Sunday when M23 fighters captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, just weeks after seizing Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the largest city in eastern DRC.
The ongoing fighting has forced over 50,000 Congolese civilians to flee into Burundi, Uganda, and other neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.
Lammy announced that the UK would increase aid to help those affected by the conflict, though he did not specify the exact amount.
With tensions rising and international pressure mounting, the UK and other global powers are calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the already fragile region.
