UN Warns of Escalating Violence in Congo

0:00The United Nations acting top envoy for Congo has warned the Security Council that fighting in the mineral-rich east is getting worse and spreading. Heavy weapons and attack drones are now in play, putting civilians at great risk in crowded areas. Even after Rwanda backed M23 rebels, pulled out of the town of Ovirah in January under global pressure, battles between them and government forces are. Starting up in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, frontlines are shifting closer to the Burundi border, raising fears of a bigger regional war. Eastern Congo has faced decades of violence as over 100 armed groups battle for control of valuable minerals. M23 made big gains last year, taking Goma and other cities, and now they're setting up their own local governments there, which weakens the national. Government and blocks aid efforts. This is also bad in it to re-proven with attacks on mining sites causing many deaths, and the trouble is spilling into T-Shopo Province too.

1:02Drones and artillery have hit places like airports in Kisangani and Goma, endangering everyday infrastructure. Last week, officials from Congo, Rwanda and the United States met in Washington and pledged steps to calm things down. The envoys stress that all sides must honor deals starting with a ceasefire, reopening airports, and letting peacekeepers move freely as the 9,000 strong UN force stays key to any lasting peace. I'm Corey with the story. That's your Canada News today update, AI powered and always on.