Status Report on the Crisis in the Great Lakes Region of the DRC

The UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, highlighted an alarming situation in the DRC due to ongoing violence. The M23 and AFD are exacerbating humanitarian crises, with DRC having the second-highest number of displaced individuals globally. Despite these issues, recent peace talks under the Luanda process offer hope for a ceasefire and lasting peace. Xia emphasized the necessity of mutual trust, inclusivity, and international support to ensure stability in the region.

The Security Council recently received a briefing from the UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, who described the conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as increasingly alarming. The ongoing violence, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, continues to devastate the civilian population, resulting in profound tragedies including fatalities, sexual violence, health crises, and malnutrition, particularly in displacement camps. The unrest is primarily fueled by the M23 rebel group, which is attempting to expand its holdings, and the Allied Democratic Forces (AFD), known for their terrorist affiliations and attacks on civilians, particularly in the regions of Ituri and North Kivu. Consequently, the DRC is currently experiencing the second-highest rate of displacement globally, following Sudan. Despite these challenges, Mr. Xia noted a “real glimmer of hope” due to the recent peace talks related to the Luanda process, which have emerged as a positive development since the M23 group’s resurgence in November 2021. He affirmed that these talks indicate significant progress toward achieving lasting peace, particularly through a ceasefire established on July 30, which, while not devoid of skirmishes, has largely been respected. Mr. Xia urged the Security Council to remember the plight of the Congolese people and emphasized the necessity for a sustained ceasefire in eastern DRC. He identified three critical pathways towards lasting peace: fostering mutual trust among regional nations, ensuring inclusivity with robust participation from women and youth, and maintaining consistent international support for peace initiatives. He expressed confidence that the Framework Agreement forms a strong basis for rebuilding trust amongst the involved nations and underscored the importance of development initiatives, aligning with the UN Strategy for the Great Lakes region. Mr. Xia concluded with a call to collective responsibility in addressing the ongoing crises affecting civilians in the region.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is situated in the heart of Africa’s Great Lakes Region, a locale historically characterized by conflict and instability. The eastern DRC has been plagued by violence fueled by various armed groups, notably the M23 and the AFD, resulting in significant human rights violations and a staggering number of displaced individuals. The United Nations, along with regional leaders, has been engaged in ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to this volatile region, particularly through the Luanda process, which seeks to foster dialogue and ceasefires among conflicting parties. The situation continues to evolve as regional dynamics shift, making the involvement of the international community essential in mediating peace efforts and addressing the humanitarian needs of affected populations.

The current situation in the Great Lakes Region, particularly in the DRC, remains critically concerning, marked by severe humanitarian crises resulting from continued violence and instability. However, the ongoing peace talks within the Luanda process present a promising development towards achieving a ceasefire and fostering long-term peace. Urgent collective action is necessary to enhance trust among regional players, ensure inclusivity in peace processes, and maintain international support to address the underlying causes of conflict. The pressing need to prioritize the welfare of the civilian population cannot be overstated; significant action must be taken to alleviate their suffering and build a sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region.

Original Source: news.un.org