UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the urgent need for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating violence involving M23 rebels. He announced upcoming summits to address the crisis and highlighted the dire humanitarian impact, including thousands of deaths and displacements. Guterres urged global leaders to halt hostilities and seek cohesive mediation efforts for a sustainable resolution.
On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the alarming situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), declaring, “It is time for peace.” He described the crisis as “deeply concerning” and urged global solidarity to address the violence, emphasizing the need for a collective approach to restore peace.
Guterres announced the forthcoming summit in Tanzania, which will convene leaders from the East African Community and South African Development Community to focus on the escalating conflict involving the M23 rebels and the Congolese military. Additionally, he mentioned his participation in the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa next week, where the crisis will be a key topic.
He underscored the urgent humanitarian challenges resulting from the conflict, highlighting that thousands of civilians have lost their lives and many have been displaced. Guterres pointed out that the situation in Goma is dire, with health facilities overwhelmed and essential services like water and electricity grossly inadequate.
The Secretary-General declared, “Silence the guns. Stop the escalation. Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uphold international human rights law and international humanitarian law. There is no military solution.” He called for immediate mediation efforts, insisting, “It is time to end this crisis. It is time for peace. The stakes are too high.”
The violence surged in Goma, North Kivu province, when the M23 initiated an offensive against government forces two weeks prior. According to the World Health Organization, over 900 individuals have been killed, and thousands have been displaced, seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including personnel from various international organizations. Recently, the M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire after engaging with the Congolese army for control over Goma.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by violence, particularly due to the resurgence of M23 rebels, which has caused large-scale humanitarian crises. The continuous conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and mass displacements. This violence has coincided with failed peace efforts, exacerbating the existing humanitarian problems as international bodies are called to intervene and mediate a resolution.
In conclusion, the UN Secretary-General’s call for peace underscores the gravity of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where ongoing violence has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences. It is imperative for international leaders to respond to Guterres’ appeals for unity and action to end the crisis and restore peace, ensuring the protection of civilians and adherence to international laws.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
