Pope Francis Calls for Immediate End to M23 Offensive in DRC, Urging Protection of Civilians

Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for an immediate end to the ongoing M23 offensive, the most intense escalation of violence in the region since 2012.

Speaking on March 1, 2023, the Pope condemned the devastating consequences of war, stating, "I once again affirm 'no' to war ... War destroys, devastates everything, takes lives, and leads to a disregard for life itself... War is always defeat."

His call for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians, particularly children, was echoed by Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, at the 37th Special Session of the Human Rights Council. The Archbishop highlighted the "strong condemnation" of the attack, which has resulted in "an enormous tragic loss of life, a worrying increase in human rights violations" and "has increased the massive displacement of populations already impoverished by the recurrent conflicts."

The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified over the past month, with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seizing control of lucrative mining areas in North Kivu province and capturing Goma, the region's largest city, despite announcing a ceasefire. The surge in violence has resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and mass displacement, with over 20 million people now requiring humanitarian aid in a region already ravaged by recurrent conflicts.

Reports of sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, are adding to the crisis, while aid workers are struggling to cope with the growing number of casualties and the threat of disease outbreaks in hospitals. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations like Tearfund have resumed their efforts in the region, focusing on restoring basic services and distributing clean water.

Tearfund's Country Director for the DRC, Poppy Anguandia, emphasized the need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure life-saving aid reaches those affected. She also called for a sustained peace to enable displaced populations to rebuild their lives.

The Vatican's Permanent Observer to the UN has urged the immediate reopening of Goma airport, which remains closed after the city's capture by M23 forces. This step is seen as critical for delivering humanitarian aid and evacuating the most severely injured.

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