Congolese rebels want peaceful solution to crisis, UN says
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Congolese Rebels Signal Interest in Peace Talks, Says UN Envoy
The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has held high-level talks with Rwanda-backed rebel leaders, including the M23 group, in a bid to protect civilians and explore peaceful resolutions to the conflict in eastern Congo.
UN’s Keita Meets Rebels in Goma
Bintou Keita, the UN Secretary-General’s special representative, met leaders of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23 rebel group, on Friday in Goma — a city captured by the rebels in January 2025.
“I brought a spirit of listening and exchange,” Ms. Keita said, noting that the rebels had expressed willingness for a peaceful solution. She called the discussions part of ongoing joint efforts for the benefit of civilians in the region.
Though the UN released few details about the outcomes, the meeting marked the most high-profile contact between the UN and the rebel coalition since the escalation of the conflict.
Rebels Continue to Hold Territory
Despite UN efforts, the M23 rebels have continued to advance across the mineral-rich east, pushing back Congolese forces and attacking UN peacekeepers. Their capture of Goma and surrounding areas has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Security Situation Worsens
Airports in Goma and Kavumu remain closed, government salaries have been delayed, and civilians are fleeing violence as essential services crumble. The UN’s peacekeeping mission, Monusco, has come under pressure for its inability to prevent rebel gains.
SADC Forces Withdraw After Deadly Losses
On Friday, about 250 South African soldiers deployed under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission returned home. Their exit forms part of a phased withdrawal, after 20 SADC troops were killed during recent clashes with M23 rebels.
The UN and SADC leaders met Saturday in a show of solidarity, with both parties expressing appreciation for their cooperation during the crisis.
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