Conflict in eastern Congo escalating with use of heavy weapons and drones, UN warns

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations’ acting top envoy for Congo warned the U.N. Security Council on Monday that the conflict in mineral-rich eastern Congo is escalating and expanding, with the M23 rebel group using sophisticated weapons including heavy artillery and drones. Bintou Keita stated that the M23 has made unprecedented territorial gains in North Kivu, displacing millions and creating a humanitarian catastrophe. She highlighted the involvement of foreign actors and the risk of the conflict spilling over into a broader regional war, specifically noting the tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The humanitarian situation has reached a breaking point, with 7.3 million people displaced and widespread reports of sexual violence and human rights abuses.