Urgent Call from UN Security Council to Address Violence in Eastern DR Congo

The UN Security Council was informed of escalating violence in the eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, by Bintou Keita. The session emphasized the importance of ongoing international support for mediation efforts and highlighted the need for unified governance initiatives to ensure lasting peace and stability. The humanitarian situation is grave, with millions displaced, while gender-based violence remains a significant issue. The upcoming summit presents an opportunity for regional leaders to progress in peace initiatives.

The United Nations Security Council was briefed on the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by Bintou Keita, the UN Special Representative and head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). She highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where armed groups such as the ADF, M23, CODECO, and Zaïre are active. Ms. Keita praised efforts, particularly through the Angolan-led Luanda process, to mediate and quell violence while emphasizing the necessity for ongoing international and regional support for local stabilization initiatives.

Plans are underway for a summit on December 15, featuring leaders from Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda, aimed at addressing significant advancements in peace efforts. While commending the ceasefire agreement established between the DRC and Rwanda, Ms. Keita reiterated the importance of unifying various governance processes to foster enduring stability within the nation. She called for a collective approach to address potential tensions surrounding constitutional revisions to maintain the DRC’s path toward peace.

The situation remains dire in the eastern regions, exacerbated by the M23’s occupation of significant territory and the violent activities of the ADF, which have led to numerous civilian deaths. Although attacks from CODECO and Zaïre have decreased, protecting civilians remains a priority. The link between violence and the exploitation of natural resources was underscored, with particular mention of M23’s control over gold mines.

Furthermore, humanitarian challenges have intensified due to ongoing conflicts, with approximately 6.4 million individuals displaced and numerous epidemics impacting the population. Despite these obstacles, the DRC’s 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan has seen improved funding, marking progress in aid effectiveness.

On the topic of gender-based violence, it was reported that over 90,000 cases had been documented in the DRC in 2023, with a significant number occurring in North Kivu. Ms. Keita commended the DRC Government’s initiatives to combat gender-based violence and called attention to the need for continued efforts against impunity. She also emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of those affected, particularly women and persons with disabilities, who have united in their demand for peace and the restoration of their dignity.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has faced prolonged instability and conflict, particularly in the eastern regions characterized by tensions fueled by various armed groups. The Security Council’s discussions reflect ongoing international efforts to address these challenges through diplomatic means, notably through frameworks such as the Luanda Process. Political reforms and humanitarian interventions are crucial to enhancing peace efforts and stability within the DRC, particularly in light of the country’s recent governance reforms and humanitarian crises resulting from armed violence and climate change.

In summary, the Security Council’s briefing highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing violence in eastern DRC, with emphasis placed on the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri. Ms. Keita advocated for continued international and regional commitment to support peace initiatives and emphasized the importance of inclusive governance. The intersection of resource exploitation and armed conflict remains a critical concern, demanding coordinated efforts for civilian protection and stability. The engagement of women and marginalized communities in peace processes is fundamental to achieving lasting solutions in the DRC.

Original Source: news.un.org