Bintou Keita, head of the UN stabilization mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), briefed the Security Council on escalating violence and displacement in the region following the M23's takeover of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.

Armed groups affiliated with the M23 rebels have expanded their control in eastern DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu, as they seek further territorial gains.

In Ituri province, violence involving CODECO and Zaïre armed groups has intensified, with civilians suffering attacks near mining areas and farmland.

Since January 2025, the security situation has displaced over 100,000 people in Djugu, Ituri, while humanitarian access remains severely restricted due to ongoing insecurity and logistical challenges.

Significant human rights violations have been reported, including the execution of over 100 civilians, forced child recruitments, abductions, and cases of forced labor, with women and children being disproportionately affected.

There has been a troubling rise in sexual violence linked to mass displacement, with reports of children as young as five being victims of rape, and 403 grave violations of children's rights verified between December 2024 and February 2025.

Rising hate speech and ethnic targeting of Tutsi and Swahili-speaking Congolese threaten social cohesion, prompting calls for legislation to combat tribalism and racism.

These armed groups are establishing a 'parallel administration', appointing officials including a governor and vice governors in Bukavu, as well as financial and mining officials in North Kivu.

Despite these challenges, MONUSCO has increased patrols and civilian protection efforts, facilitating disarmament talks that have led to the surrender of over 2,200 Zaïre group fighters and the capture of weapons.

Efforts for a ceasefire and political solution have stalled amid regional and international pressures, with M23's advances disrupting transition talks between MONUSCO and Congolese authorities.

In her address, Bintou Keita urged the Security Council to take decisive action against those responsible for human rights violations and to advocate for an unconditional ceasefire.

As of March 2025, the Humanitarian Response Plan for DRC is only 8.2% funded, exacerbating the crisis amid a global financial downturn.