‘Alarming’ situation in the Great Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of Congo
“It is the people who will continue to bear the heavy losses of war every day: loss of life, sexual violence, health problems and malnutrition in displacement camps,” Huang Xia said.
According to Mr. Civilians in Ituri and North Kivu threaten the region.
DRC is currently the country with the second highest number of displaced people after Sudan.
‘Light of hope’
Despite the situation, for the first time since the rise of the M23 rebel group in November 2021, Mr.
“I can testify that Recent peace negotiations within the framework of the ongoing Luanda process encourages and represents an important step in silencing the guns and achieve lasting peace,” he said.
The Luanda Process is a regional initiative under the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço aimed at reducing escalating tensions between DRC and Rwanda.
The ceasefire agreement, signed on July 30 last year, has contributed to “relative calm and appears to be largely respected, despite some fighting.”
‘Three essential paths’
Although encouraging steps have been taken, Mr. .
He made a “solemn call” to come Security Council remembering the crisis in the region and ensuring that the ceasefire will be maintained in eastern DRC.
The “three essential paths” leading to such a lasting peace include strengthening mutual trust among countries in the region, enhancing inclusiveness, especially the full participation of women and men. women and youth, and consistent international efforts to support peace processes in the region.
Regional consensus
Regarding the first point about mutual trust, Mr. addressing the root causes of conflict”.
“In addition, development initiatives remain very important,” Mr. Xia added, pointing to the United Nations Strategy for the Great Lakes region whose Action Plan is currently being drafted as a example of an ideal framework for collective action.
“Like Future Summit With a new global consensus that brings hope, we once again accept collective responsibility and no longer accept the suffering of civilians trapped in endless conflicts,” he concluded. .
