UN Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bintou Keita, highlighted the ongoing political tensions surrounding proposed constitutional revisions and the worsening security situation in North Kivu and Ituri, particularly due to the activities of groups such as ADF, M23, CODECO, and Zaïre.
In her address to the Security Council, Keita noted, “The M23, which has not signed the ceasefire agreement, has strengthened its control over both civilian and military aspects in North Kivu. Currently, it occupies extensive regions within the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru, Walikale, Nyiragongo, and Lubero, an area that is now twice the size of its 2012 occupation. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue to be the most lethal armed group, with hundreds of civilian casualties reported in recent months.”
She further stated, “The deteriorating security landscape is significantly worsening the humanitarian crisis, which is compounded by the increasing challenges posed by climate change. According to OCHA, nearly 6.4 million individuals are currently displaced due to armed conflicts and natural disasters. Additionally, various epidemics have further complicated the humanitarian situation.”
Regarding the renewal of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized, “The renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate must necessarily take into account the regional aspects of the conflict while ensuring a careful and responsible approach to its gradual withdrawal. This is crucial for addressing cross-border threats and preventing any security vacuum.”
Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked, “Characterizing this as an intra-African conflict oversimplifies the situation and overlooks the various actors involved. This is not merely a ‘Rwanda-DRC issue’ but a complex crisis that requires a nuanced understanding and coordinated efforts from the international community.”
Mateus Luemba, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Angola to the United Nations, announced that a tripartite summit involving Angola, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is scheduled to take place in Luanda on December 15, 2024. This summit, organized under the leadership of President Lourenço, aims to advance efforts toward stabilizing the eastern DRC. It marks the conclusion of various mediation initiatives aimed at fostering peace, stability, and economic growth in the region.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It is essential to reiterate that the success of the Mediator’s efforts hinges on the continued support of all relevant parties and stakeholders, including the Security Council, to create a favorable environment for security and stability in the region”.
