Bintou Keita, head of the UN stabilization mission in DRC (MONUSCO), reported to the Security Council on March 27, 2025, about escalating violence and displacement following M23's capture of key cities like Goma and Bukavu in February 2025.

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.

Despite MONUSCO's mandate to protect civilians, armed groups like the March 23 Movement and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue to gain ground and commit human rights violations.

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

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

Keita expressed concern over rising hate speech and ethnic targeting, calling for the DRC government to enact laws against tribalism and promote national diversity.

The ongoing security crisis has displaced over 100,000 people since January 2025, particularly in Djugu, Ituri, but humanitarian access is severely limited due to insecurity and logistical challenges.

Despite challenges, MONUSCO has increased patrols and civilian protection efforts, leading to the surrender of over 2,200 fighters from the Zaïre group.

These armed groups are not only seizing territory but also establishing a 'parallel administration', appointing officials in Bukavu and North Kivu to manage local governance and resources.

Armed groups affiliated with the M23 rebels have expanded control in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, posing a significant threat to local governance and stability.

Keita urged the Security Council to take decisive action against perpetrators of human rights abuses and to refocus on achieving an unconditional ceasefire.

The Danish Refugee Council highlighted that internally displaced children face trauma, with many girls resorting to survival sex, and verified 403 serious violations of children's rights between December 2024 and February 2025.