UN Warns of Escalating Conflict in Congo

0:00On March 27, the United Nations acting top envoy for Congo has warned the Security Council that fighting in the mineral-rich east is getting worse, and spreading. Vivian Vandepair, who leads the 9,000-member peacekeeping mission known as Mannesco, highlighted the growing use of heavy weapons and attack. Drone's near-populated areas, putting civilians at great risk, despite where Wanda backed M2-3 rebels pulling back from the town of Uvira in January under global pressure. Battles are heating up between them and Congolese forces in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Frontlines have shifted closer to Burundi's border, raising fears of a bigger regional clash. Eastern Congo has faced decades of violence from over 100 armed groups battling for control of valuable minerals. Last year, M-3 made big gains, taking Goma and other cities. Trouble is also brewing in itari province, with killings tied to one rebel faction, and

1:00attacks on mining sites by another while the conflict creeps, and to T-show pole province. M2-3 is setting up its own local governments in places like Goma, weakening official control and slowing aid efforts. Meanwhile, officials from Congo, Rwanda, and the United States met in Washington last week to map out de-escalation moves. Vandipair stressed that all sides must honor their deals, starting with a ceasefire, reopening airports, and freeing up peacekeeper movement. A top U.S. adviser called Menesco vital to any peace push, noting it's a top priority for the president as the volatile east hangs in the balance. That's the story for today. Global News Today, Driven by AI