DR CONGO CRISIS: UN Official Declares ‘We Are Trapped’ in Emergency Security Council Meeting
26 January 2025, 12:00 PM
New York – The United Nations Security Council has convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a surge in violence has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands.
During the session, Bintou Keita, the UN’s Special Representative for the DRC, presented a grim update, expressing her deep concern about the deteriorating situation.
“We are trapped in a vicious cycle of violence and impunity,” said Keita. “Armed groups continue to terrorize civilians, while government forces struggle to contain the crisis.”
According to Keita, the violence has been particularly severe in the eastern provinces of Rutshuru and Masisi, where rebels and government troops have clashed in a deadly stalemate. The fighting has forced more than 100,000 people to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis in overcrowded camps and shelters.
“The situation is extremely worrying,” said Keita. “We fear that the violence could escalate further and spread to other parts of the country.”
The security council condemned the violence in the strongest terms and called for an immediate ceasefire. The council members denounced the actions of the armed groups and urged the government to take steps to restore peace and security.
The council also expressed concern about the impact of the crisis on civilians, emphasizing the need for humanitarian assistance and the protection of women and children.
The DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with numerous rebel groups operating in the eastern and central regions. The current escalation in violence has been attributed to a complex mix of factors, including political instability, ethnic tensions, and the proliferation of illegal armed groups.
The UN has been actively involved in the DRC for many years, providing peacekeeping and humanitarian support. However, the continuing violence poses a major challenge to the mission’s efforts to stabilize the country.
The emergency Security Council meeting comes as international pressure mounts on the DRC government to take decisive action to end the crisis. The council has warned that further escalation of violence could lead to a regional crisis with devastating consequences.
The UN and the international community are calling on all parties to the conflict to lay down their arms and engage in a peaceful resolution. They are also urging the DRC government to uphold its responsibilities to protect its citizens and establish a lasting peace.
DR CONGO CRISIS: Updates as top UN official tells emergency Security Council meeting ‘we are trapped’
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