The draft, which is yet to be fully negotiated by the 15-member Council, calls for the immediate withdrawal of M23 forces from Goma and the dismantling of illegitimate parallel administrations in the region.  

The resolution also urges all parties involved in the conflict to urgently conclude a ceasefire agreement. While the wording of the draft may change during negotiations, its current form includes a direct appeal to the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) to end its alleged support for M23 and withdraw from DRC territory without preconditions or delay.  

The Council also expressed its intention to consider additional targeted sanctions, including against M23 leadership and those providing external support to the group. This could extend to those violating existing UN sanctions and the arms embargo imposed on the region.  

The draft further condemns attacks on civilians, infrastructure, and United Nations personnel operating in the conflict zone. The situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly in recent months, with escalating violence causing widespread displacement and humanitarian suffering.  

In addition to demanding an end to hostilities, the draft resolution urges the governments of DRC and Rwanda to prioritise diplomatic negotiations under the frameworks of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes. The two nations have been locked in a tense standoff over allegations of Rwandan support for M23, a claim Rwanda has consistently denied.  

--Sherwin Bryce-Pease/ChannelAfrica--