The African Union (AU) issued a stern warning regarding the potential fragmentation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst escalating violence in the eastern part of the country. This warning comes in light of events surrounding the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, which has recently captured a second city in the DRC.
On Sunday, Bankole Adeoye, the AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner, emphasized the organization’s commitment to preserving the unity of the DRC. He stated, “We don’t want a balkanization of eastern DRC,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. He called for the “immediate removal of M23 and their supporters from all towns and cities including Goma airport,” although he refrained from directly naming Rwanda in his remarks.
The M23 group, which has a history of conflict in the region, seized the provincial capital of Goma at the end of January and has continued its violent advance southward. The ongoing clashes in the eastern DRC are not new; the area has faced decades of instability and conflict, exacerbated by a complex interplay of local tensions and foreign involvement.
The resurgence of violence prompted reactions from the international community, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing concerns about the risks of regional escalation. He stressed the importance of taking every measure possible to avoid further conflict, stating, “A regional escalation must be avoided at all costs.”
Adeoye further underlined the necessity of respecting the DRC’s sovereignty, political unity, and territorial integrity, describing it as “fundamental” to peace and stability in the region. The AU’s pronounced stance reflects a growing apprehension among African nations regarding the potential for disintegration and the broader implications it could hold for regional security.
