Diplomacy key to ending crisis in eastern DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief
Published on 2025-01-31 12:00
Goma, DR Congo – The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has called for increased diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing crisis in the country’s eastern region.
Speaking at a press conference in Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, Bintou Keita said that military operations alone would not be enough to address the root causes of the conflict.
“We need to address the political, economic, and social issues that are fueling the violence,” she said. “This requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders, including the Congolese government, the international community, and civil society organizations.”
Keita said that the UN peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, was committed to supporting the peace process and would continue to provide protection to civilians and support the Congolese government in its efforts to stabilize the region.
“However, we cannot do this alone,” she said. “We need the support of the international community, and we need the Congolese people to work with us to build a lasting peace.”
The eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, with armed groups fighting for control of the region’s mineral resources. The conflict has displaced millions of people and created a humanitarian crisis.
In recent months, the violence has escalated, with a resurgence of fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group. The M23 is a Tutsi-led group that has been accused of human rights abuses, including summary executions and rape.
The UN has condemned the M23’s actions and has called for the group to lay down its weapons. The Congolese government has also launched a military offensive against the M23, but the fighting has continued.
Keita said that the UN was concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict and was providing assistance to those displaced by the violence.
“We are also working with the Congolese government to address the root causes of the conflict,” she said. “We believe that a political solution is the only way to end the violence and bring lasting peace to the eastern DRC.”
The UN Security Council is expected to meet next week to discuss the situation in the eastern DRC. The Council is likely to call for an end to the violence and for the M23 to lay down its weapons.
The Council is also likely to consider imposing sanctions on the M23 and its leaders. The sanctions could include travel bans and asset freezes.
The international community has condemned the M23’s actions and has called for the group to lay down its weapons. The Congolese government has also launched a military offensive against the M23, but the fighting has continued.
Diplomacy key to ending crisis in eastern DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief
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