In a statement released by its Spokesperson, António Guterres welcomed the international and regional efforts that took place last week, led by the President of Angola and the African Union (AU) Champion for Peace and Reconciliation João Lourenço, with Movement of the 23rd day of Mars (M23).
The Eastern DRC is home to several armed groups, including the M23 insurgents, who have been waging a major campaign against government troops in recent months, supported by the United Nations mission. there, known by its French initials. MONUSCOputs the protection of civilians at the center of its mission.
Years of violent unrest
Hundreds of civilians were killed years of violence at the hands of armed groups, including women and children. According to reports, more than 600,000 people have been displaced in the eastern part of North Kivu, as the M23 and other groups attack the territory in recent months.
According to news reports, the European Union announced on Saturday that it would establish a “humanitarian aid bridge” to deliver aid to the eastern DRC.
In response to what the head of MONUSCO described in Security Council last December as the security situation deteriorated “significantly” and concerned about accusations from the DRC Government that neighboring Rwanda had supported the M23 – an allegation it strongly denies – the talks Peace talks took place in Kenya and the Angolan capital, Luanda.
A ceasefire was announced last Friday, in compliance with the decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council on February 17 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
‘Unlimited humanitarian access’
“The Secretary-General urges the M23 to respect the ceasefire to create conditions for Full and efficient withdrawals from all occupied areas in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo”, the statement released on Monday said, “in line with the decisions of the Luanda Miniature Summit held on November 23, 2022.”
The Secretary-General has made it clear that he “condemn all acts of violence against civilians And again call on all Congolese and foreign armed groups to lay down their arms and unconditional disarm.”
Guterres also called on all parties to the fighting to ensure “immediately and Unlimited humanitarian access for affected populations”, ensuring that civilians are protected, respecting international humanitarian law.
M23 fighter jet heading to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (document)
End hate speech
“He also appealed to all the actors refrain from hate speech and incitement to violence.”
The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ support for the ongoing peace process in the capitals of Angola and Kenya, through his Special Representative to the DRC and his Special Envoy to the Lakes region. Big.
He added that UN ready to “intensify efforts to bring peace and security” in the volatile eastern DRC region.
Ceasefire must be shown ‘strict respect’: Keita
On Saturday, the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, concluded his business trip to the region with a press conference in its largest city, Goma.
She pointed out that the Mission is maintaining a strong presence in areas controlled by M23 to protect civilians and to continue providing support to the Congolese armed forces, strictly following the Human Due Diligence Policy. rights,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
“Multiple Sclerosis. keita repeats the call to strictly respect the ceasefire announced on Friday and urges the M23 to withdraw from the occupied areas and unconditional disarm.”
