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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23750, member: 2262"] UN Chief Warns of "Devastating Toll" as M23 Rebels Advance in Eastern DRC. KINSHASA, DRC - UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern over the renewed offensive by M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He warned of the "devastating toll" on civilians and the growing risk of a regional war. M23 forces have intensified their assault on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. They seized Sake, the last major defensive position before the city. "The seizure of Sake increases the threat to Goma, heightening the risk of regional escalation," Guterres said in a statement on Thursday. The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, reported that recent fighting near Bweremana has claimed at least 10 lives. It has displaced over 250,000 people toward Kalehe, Goma, and Rusayo. The humanitarian crisis has left critical resources in Goma overstretched as thousands of displaced civilians arrive daily. Guterres urged all parties to respect the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed the need to end all support to armed groups, whether Congolese or foreign. The UN Group of Experts reported that the rebels have received support from Rwandan forces, which Rwanda denies. The Secretary-General called on the M23 rebels to immediately cease their offensive and withdraw from all occupied areas. He urged them to abide by the ceasefire agreement reached on July 31, 2024. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has cut short his trip to Davos to address the worsening security situation. He is expected to preside over an urgent meeting of the Superior Council of Defence on Friday. The escalating crisis has profound implications for the Great Lakes region. It could potentially trigger a wider conflict involving neighboring states such as Rwanda and Burundi. South Africa has deployed troops alongside FARDC to defend Sake and Goma. Guterres reaffirmed MONUSCO's determination to fulfill its mandate to protect civilians. He condemned any actions that endanger UN personnel or prevent humanitarian assistance. "The protection of civilians remains paramount," he said, urging all parties to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. [/QUOTE]

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