​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

Moses Balagizi, permanent representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the African Union’s (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), said Tuesday that the conflict between Congo and the M23 rebel group has “escalated to levels unseen in decades."

“Security must focus on people, not just the state. A peaceful DRC needs strong civil society engagement,” Balagizi said at an online meeting of Congolese civil society organizations, hosted by the ECOSOCC.

Civilians have been executed and schools bombed, leaving more than 1 million children out of class, he said.

Stressing the “biggest goal” is a “peaceful” Africa, Kyeretwie Osei, head of programs at ECOSOCC, said the meeting allowed civil society to share experiences and outline a “roadmap for peace.”

“ECOSOCC is committed to contributing to these efforts," he added.

The M23 rebel group has intensified territorial control in eastern Congo since December, recently seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Fighting since January has led to the deaths of more than 8,500 victims, with at least 5,700 wounded, according to Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba.

Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the rebel group, and countries including the US and the UK announced punitive measures and sanctions against Kigali for the alleged support.​​​​​​​