United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres held separate discussions with the presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda as tensions continue to rise in eastern DRC, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed.
During his conversation with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Guterres emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians in the conflict-hit region.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix stated on Monday that Rwandan forces were backing the M23 rebel group in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo.
Amid growing concerns, the United States has called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to consider measures to halt the offensive by Rwandan troops and allied rebels.