At the 37th Special Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Apostolic Nuncio Ettore Balestrero reiterated Pope Francis’ call for peace and the protection of civilians in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The situation has worsened as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have aggressively taken control of areas in North Kivu, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacements amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Despite a declared ceasefire, M23 forces have captured Goma, the largest city in East DRC, and are advancing towards Bukavu. Archbishop Balestrero condemned the offensive, highlighting the tragic loss of life and increased human rights violations. He noted that even U. N. peacekeepers have faced casualties. To respond to the humanitarian needs, he urged the immediate reopening of Goma airport, which has been closed since the M23 takeover.
The Archbishop expressed sympathy for families affected by the conflict and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. He supported the stalled Luanda Peace Process aimed at easing tensions between Rwanda and DRC and called for negotiations to resume. The Holy See welcomed the proposal for an independent fact-finding mission in DRC and insisted on the respect for the country’s territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, leaders from Eastern and Southern Africa are meeting in Tanzania to seek a resolution to the conflict, which is deeply rooted in historical issues from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and a struggle for Congo’s mineral resources. The current offensive represents the most severe fighting in East DRC since 2012, with nearly 3,000 reported deaths. Aid groups are working to assist overwhelmed hospitals in Goma, while the International Criminal Court is monitoring reports of serious human rights abuses, including sexual violence.