U.N.'s DRC envoy briefs on Goma takeover

Speaking to the council, Roger Meece, head of MONUSCO, or the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said "In recent days the M23 undertook major new offensive operations, and have now occupied the provincial capital of Goma. This was done despite significant resistance from theCongolese army as well as MONUSCO forces engages along side of and in support of, the FARDC (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo)."Initially the offensive was held in check. Showing again renewed capacity however, the M23 continued its offensive, exhibiting sophisticated tactics. Its capabilities, and the reports of external support helping to provide those capabilities, have already been briefed to this council," added Meece.

The sudden increase in the size and capability of the rebel force is likely to add to accusations that the fighters are receiving backing from abroad.

Congo and U.N. experts have accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a chargeRwanda rejects.

Goma is the regional headquarters of a U.N. force tasked with assisting government troops to protect civilians, but peacekeepers largely looked on once the army fled and the city fell.

U.N. helicopter gunships flew 17 sorties, firing 500 rockets and four missiles in the defense of the town, the United Nations said on Wednesday in a statement giving its account of the battle. Two South African peacekeepers were injured.

About 500 rebels made an initial advance on Nov. 15, of whom about 64 were killed byarmy forces backed by U.N. helicopter gunships, it said. But two days later the rebels returned in far greater numbers, launching a new attack with 3,000 men.

Meece said the M23 rebels are now firmly in place in Goma, and said there are already reports of serious human rights abuses.

"At this stage the M23 effectively occupies a significant portion of North Kivu Province and it has been establishing a formal administrative or governing structure. We have received numerous reports of targeted, summary executions of those who stand in their way, including government and traditional leaders who resist or fail to co-operate with an M23 administrative structure. We also continue to receive ongoing reports of widespread recruitment and use of children, unconfirmed cases of sexual violence and other serious human rights abuses," said Meece.

On Tuesday (November 20) France called the failure of the peacekeeping force, which has heavy weapons and helicopters, to halt the advance of the lightly-armed rebels "absurd", and said its mandate should be reviewed.

Speaking to the council, Meece defended the progress made so far in the country, aided by the United Nations.

"Despite setbacks, I believe it important to remember that much has been accomplished over the years addressing a wide array of major and daunting issues. Clearly many aspects of this progress have been reversed in recent months, in North Kivu Province in particular as a result of the M23 rebellion. It is difficult if not impossible to enhance state authority and governance with an active and strong armed movement underway," said Meece.

Meece also called on the international community to help resolve the crisis.

"It is clearly essential to resolve this crisis, roll back the reversals, and resume forward movement. This can be done, I believe, but only with a strong commitment from the international community, underscoring the responsibility of all states concerned to contribute to a positive and peaceful outcome," he added.

The rebellion was launched eight months ago by mutinous troops accusing the government of failing to stick to a 2009 deal with insurgents to end a previous conflict. On Wednesday they said their aim was to "liberate" the country.