By Ebi Kesiena
The African Union (AU) has issued a stern warning against the potential break-up of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), following the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group’s capture of a second city in the country’s eastern region.
AU’s Peace and Security Commissioner, Bankole Adeoye, told reporters on Sunday that the AU is committed to preserving DR Congo’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
He urged the immediate removal of M23 forces and their supporters from all towns, cities, and key infrastructure, such as Goma Airport.
Meanwhile, local media report that the situation has escalated rapidly, with M23 taking control of the provincial capital, Goma, in late January. The conflict has sparked concerns among neighbouring nations, prompting UN Chief António Guterres to caution against regional escalation.
The key concerns of the AU include regional instability, as the conflict has the potential to spill across borders and destabilise the region. Also, the humanitarian crisis, as decades of clashes have already taken a devastating toll on eastern DR Congo’s civilian population.
Additionally, there is a need for concerted international intervention to prevent further escalation and protect DR Congo’s territorial integrity.
