This article is published in association with United Nations.

Here are some highlights from today:

• Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) briefed the Security Council earlier this afternoon from Goma on the situation in the country, saying the level of suffering is ‘unimaginable’
• Ms. van de Perre also underlined in her briefing  the dire humanitarian situation and the need for “urgent and coordinated international action” to stop the fighting between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces as they battle for control of the city
• The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, said the impact of the violence on civilians is devastating, and the scale of suffering cannot go unnoticed
• UN agencies reported rapes and looting in Goma
• ‘Goma has fallen,’ World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson warned
• UN human rights chief called for urgent action

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Today 12:34 π.μ.

Violence must end now, Security Council hears

The Security Council convened its second emergency meeting in three days on Tuesday to address the escalating crisis in Goma, the regional capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), provided a detailed briefing from Goma, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation and the need for “urgent and coordinated international action,” to stop the fighting between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces – as they battle for control of the city.

She reported that the recent clashes have led to massive displacement, with over 178,000 people fleeing Kalehe territory after the M23 took control of Minova.

More than 34,000 of those on the run have sought refuge in already overcrowded IDP sites in and around Goma, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and overwhelming the city’s infrastructure.

Read our full story at news.un.org.

Today 12:20 π.μ.

Rwanda says DRC’s obsessions lay at root of the conflict

Rwanda’s representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, condemned attacks against his country, recalling that such recent and repeated incidents are support by DR Congo.

“Rwanda knows the dividend of peace,” he said, stressing that the presence of military forces near its border represents a security threat.

For its part, Rwanda is providing humanitarian aid to refugees, sheltering those displaced and assisting the transfer of MONUSCO and other UN personnel through Kigali, the capital.

However, attacks Kinshasa on diplomatic missions and embassies, including Rwanda’s, are a concern, he said.

UN News

“The deteriorating situation in the eastern DRC has only one immediate cause: the obsession by the president of the DRC for a military solution and thirst for a regime change in Rwanda,” he said.

Rwanda called for, among other things, the withdrawal of foreign troops and repatriation of European mercenaries and reiterated Kigali’s support for MONUSCO.Today 12:20 π.μ.

DR Congo: “Indifference is not an option”

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

DR Congo’s Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba said Rwanda’s actions,  which “constitute crimes against humanity” and continue with impunity in areas like Goma. She detailed the ongoing suffering, including the plight of trapped civilians and the establishment of parallel administrations by the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) in occupied territories.

The minister strongly criticised Rwanda, accusing it of disregarding the Security Council’s authority and exploiting the organ’s inaction to perpetuate violence and destabilisation.

COD/Moses-Sawasaw

Prevent a precedent of powerlessness

The Security Council should avoid setting a precedent of “powerlessness” in the face of aggression, she said.

Highlighting the regional implications, she rejected the notion that inaction could be deemed an “African solution” and said the attack on the DR Congo was also an attack on the principles of multilateralism and the UN’s foundational values.

Ms. Wagner laid out five urgent demands: the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC territory, the establishment of targeted sanctions against Rwanda and an embargo on natural resources identified as Rwanda. She also demanded the exclusion of Rwanda as a troop-contributing country to peacekeeping missions and full transparency regarding arms transfers to the country.28 Ιαν 2025  11:23 μ.μ.

UN relief agency calls for ramped up support

The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, said the impact of the violence on civilians is devastating, and the scale of suffering cannot go unnoticed.

“We urge the international community to ramp up efforts to address the rapidly deepening crisis,” the UN agency said on social media.

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Russia, US call for ceasefire, removal of foreign troops

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned the M23’s actions, calling for a cessation of hostilities and urging external forces to recall their military units.

“We must not allow a spillover, which can threaten people on both sides of the border,” he said, expressing strong support for MONUSCO. “The violence in eastern DRC needs to stop,” he said, pointing to the Luanda Process as the best forum where a political solution can be achieved.

He said the existence of “blood minerals” is a root cause of the conflict.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The acting representative of the United States, Dorothy Shea, called for a ceasefire. Parties must work towards a peaceful solution, she said, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation and applauding MONUSCO for protecting civilians.

“Rwanda must withdraw troops from DRC,” she said. “Rwanda’s support to M23 remains wholly at odds with its robust support to UN peacekeepers.” 

Emphasising that three peacekeepers have been killed and many more injured, she said UN and humanitarian personnel and civilians are endangered by Rwanda’s ongoing use of GPS interference and deployment of advanced weapons and systems.

The international must act now, she said. 

UN News28 Ιαν 2025  11:06 μ.μ.

France: ‘The risk of regional spillover is real’ 

UN News

French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière told the Security Council that “as we speak M23 is taking control of Goma with the active support of Rwanda. That must set alarm bells ringing for this Council as it did twelve years ago. The risk of regional spillover is real.” 

“The seizure of Goma brings with it major risks for the security of civilians”, he said, emphasising that “France firmly condemns this offensive.”

“Support for armed groups by all parties must stop. Our priorities must be renewed support for a ceasefire,” he added, calling for compliance with the UN Charter as “there is no military solution in this conflict”.

The Ambassador said that some of the rebel groups actions could amount to “war crimes” and expressed firm support for MONUSCO. 

In closing, Mr. de Rivière reiterated France’s engagement “at the highest level in order to resume the political process” and called for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from territory belonging to the DR Congo as well as the dismantling of the rebel FDLR armed group.28 Ιαν 2025  10:49 μ.μ.

MONUSCO reports thousands displaced by violence

MONUSCO’s deputy special representative Vivian van de Perre told the Security Council that massive displacement is unfolding in the eastern DR Congo.

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Top UN official in DR Congo briefs Security Council

Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is currently briefing the Security Council from Goma on the situation in the country.

MONUSCO has received a large number of people seeking refuge as well as people surrendering their weapons, she said. Two mortars fell in the UN mission’s camp as peacekeepers continue to do their utmost to discharge their mandate despite security challenges.

Immediate action required

Due to the intensity of the conflict, humanitarian operations have been suspended or readjusted.

“Immediate action is required to alleviate the suffering of civilians and enable lifesaving humanitarian efforts to proceed,” she said.