The UN Security Council stressed the need for a collective effort to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo amidst ongoing violence and challenges. Bintou Keita highlighted progress since a recent ceasefire but noted that peace remains unachieved. Key issues include exploitative natural resource practices fueling conflict and rising political tensions. Ms. Keita emphasized the importance of UN support in maintaining civilian safety while advocating for novel investments and collaborative peace efforts to mitigate ongoing humanitarian crises.
The United Nations Security Council convened on Monday to address the ongoing crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive collective effort across national, regional, and international levels to aid the country in overcoming persistent violence in the eastern regions, rampant resource trafficking, and other significant challenges. Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DRC as well as the head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), stated, “We need to collectively remain engaged in assisting the country on its path to peace and stability.” Following a ceasefire agreement established on July 30 between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by Angola, a decrease in hostilities among conflicting factions has been noted. Nonetheless, Ms. Keita stated, “but peace is not yet won.” She underscored the importance of the ongoing dialogue framework between the DRC and Rwanda, designed to facilitate proactive mediation aimed at resolving the conflict, which includes genuine prospects for eventual peace. Despite recent incremental progress in political and institutional reforms, the DRC continues to face significant challenges exacerbated by competition over the exploitation and trade of its natural resources. This competition has intensified conflicts particularly in the Ituri province, where armed groups are vying for control over lucrative mining areas. Ms. Keita articulated a concerning trend, saying, “As profits have surged with the expansion of semi-mechanized gold mining, armed groups have become militarized entrepreneurs.” Furthermore, the M23 military group has consolidated its administrative control over critical territories, allowing it to dominate coltan production — an essential component in manufacturing electronics. The Rubaya area alone, responsible for over 15 percent of global tantalum production, generates approximately $300,000 monthly for the group, a situation regarded as alarming. Ms. Keita warned that the illicit laundering of natural resources channels substantial financial support to armed groups, exacerbating human suffering and thwarting peace efforts. The need to address the threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remains urgent, as their recent activities have escalated amidst a strategic redeployment of Congolese forces to combat other armed groups. Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by the ongoing displacement of millions and increasing health crises arising from overcrowded shelters. In her address, Ms. Keita further touched upon the rising political tensions within the DRC, as opposition parties raise alarms regarding curtailments on political freedoms and arbitrary detentions. The continuing issues of sexual and gender-based violence also highlight urgent humanitarian needs, with over 61,000 victims treated during the first half of the year. She stressed the imperative for collective mobilization from all levels of governance to bolster peace initiatives, stating, “First and foremost, we must support peace efforts wherever conflicts exist.” This includes fostering investments in local governance structures and communities. The UN’s role in these efforts has manifested in operations such as the coordinated protection mechanisms for civilians as MONUSCO scales back its presence. As the UN mission concludes in South Kivu, Ms. Keita confirmed an ongoing assessment of MONUSCO’s withdrawal strategy, emphasizing that $57 million is necessary to enable the DRC to assume full responsibilities in the succeeding phases. The cooperation between the government and MONUSCO is essential to guarantee effective disengagement while maintaining civilian protections and supporting humanitarian needs. In summary, while positive steps have been taken towards stabilization, the DRC confronts multifaceted challenges that require immediate and sustained actions on various fronts to pave the way for enduring peace.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict due to various internal and external factors, including historical grievances, resource competition, and the proliferation of armed groups. The violence is concentrated primarily in the eastern regions of the country, where geopolitical interests often fuel further disputes. Both the exploitation of natural resources and the complex political landscape have made peace efforts difficult, necessitating broad cooperation among local, national, and international actors to facilitate a stable future for the DRC.
The session highlighted the critical need for unity and commitment among national, regional, and international stakeholders to address the challenges facing the DRC. While progress has been made, substantial obstacles remain, requiring decisive actions to curb the influence of armed groups and ensure civilian protection. Effective dialogue, resource management, and continuous support for peace initiatives are paramount to realizing long-term stability in the DRC.
Original Source: news.un.org
