UN Special Envoy Huang Xia has condemned the rising violence and breakdown of ceasefire in eastern DRC, urging conflicting parties to initiate peace talks via the Luanda and Nairobi processes to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. He also highlighted the territorial encroachment of rebel groups, notably M23, calling for compliance with the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework established in 2013.
The escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has drawn strong condemnation from UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia. In light of the breakdown of ceasefire agreements and rising tensions, Xia emphasized the urgency for political dialogue among conflicting parties, calling for adherence to the Luanda and Nairobi regional peace processes. He expressed concern regarding the territorial expansion of the M23 rebel group, stressing that such hostilities only exacerbate the dire humanitarian conditions faced by civilians in the region.
Additionally, Xia reminded all factions of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework established in 2013, which aims to uphold the DRC’s territorial integrity and discourage support for armed groups. The envoy reaffirmed the United Nations’ dedication to facilitating peace negotiations, highlighting the essential need to halt the suffering of those displaced by prolonged violence. As tensions persist, millions of civilians remain at risk, with rebel forces like the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) contributing to ongoing instability in this resource-rich but troubled area.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced decades of conflict, resulting in immense humanitarian crises. The region’s instability is largely driven by various rebel groups, notably the M23 and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which have engaged in violent confrontations, leading to the displacement of millions. The Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework aims to establish a foundation for peace and stability within the Great Lakes region, promoting dialogue and discouraging external support for armed groups.
In conclusion, the statements made by UN Envoy Huang Xia underscore the critical need for dialogue and cooperation among conflicting parties in the eastern DRC. The renewed violence, particularly from groups like M23, poses a significant threat to both regional peace and humanitarian stability. The international community’s involvement, particularly through the Luanda and Nairobi processes, is essential to alleviating the suffering of the civilian population and fostering sustainable development in the DRC.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
