A humanitarian truce is currently in effect in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but the situation remains alarming due to the territorial gains made by rebels.
Updating the Security Council on her mandated activities, Bintou Keita, the Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), expressed grave concern on Monday (Jul. 08).
“The security situation in Eastern DRC has continued to deteriorate, reaching alarming levels of violence and civilian displacements. I am extremely concerned about the rapid expansion of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) in North Kivu and the spillover into South Kivu, despite numerous operations conducted by the FARDC, regularly supported by MONUSCO and SAMIDRC,” Keita said.
Keita also highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe.
“The DRC today counts 7.3 million displaced people, including 6.9 million in the Eastern provinces alone. International Humanitarian Law violations are impeding humanitarian aid delivery. The growing proximity of the frontlines and the presence of weapons (including heavy artillery) within and around displacement camps and spontaneous sites significantly compromise the security of the displaced and resident populations,” she noted.
After briefing the 15-member organ, Keita detailed MONUSCO’s disengagement plan, which is set to enter its second phase when possible. The first phase concluded on June 25th.
“It’s not exactly where we want all of us the things to be, conform to the disengagement plan; so, we will take time to consolidate what has been done in South Kivu, with the understanding that the government is going to continue to increase its capability, particularly the deployment of the security services,” Keita explained.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Representative of the DRC to the UN, Zenon Ngay Mukongo, stated, “The Democratic Republic of Congo will defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the security of its populations at all costs while remaining open to a political resolution of the conflict with Rwanda through diplomatic means. However, this path will only be credible if Rwandan troops effectively withdraw from Congolese territory to allow for genuine and constructive dialogue.”
Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, added, “I wish to conclude by expressing, once again, Rwanda’s support for regional initiatives, especially the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes. Rwanda strongly appeals to the international community to support these regional efforts which focus on political solutions, including the need for a political dialogue, and the need to permanently address the issue of the FDLR by disarming, demobilizing, and repatriating them to Rwanda.”
A report by a group of UN experts unveiled on Monday found that Uganda provides support to M23 rebels who are allegedly backed by Rwanda.