UN Special Envoy Huang Xia has condemned the rising violence in eastern DRC and called for immediate dialogue among conflicting parties. He emphasized the urgency for peace talks and adherence to the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework to ensure stability and address the humanitarian crisis affecting civilians. Violent actions of rebel groups, including M23, exacerbate the dire conditions in the region, necessitating robust diplomatic interventions.
United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, has strongly denounced the growing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement. He expressed grave concerns regarding the expansion of the M23 rebel group and the associated humanitarian crisis that exacerbates the already precarious living conditions of civilians in the region. In a statement delivered on Wednesday, Xia emphasized the critical importance of dialogue among all conflicting parties and reiterated the call for participation in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.
He urged all involved parties to prioritize peace talks and to avoid actions that would contravene both national and regional obligations under the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework established for the DRC and the broader region. The PSC Framework, adopted in Addis Ababa in 2013, prohibits any infringement on territorial integrity and the support of armed factions. Moreover, Xia highlighted that ongoing hostilities are detrimental to collective endeavors aimed at achieving long-term peace and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region, areas plagued by historical instability.
Furthermore, the envoy reaffirmed his commitment, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, to endorse the Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives, striving for a resolution that alleviates the suffering endured by the local populace. The DRC continues to face escalating violence, with numerous conflicts resulting in the displacement of millions and challenging diplomatic ties with neighboring nations. Rebel groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23, are instrumental in perpetuating the instability within this resource-rich but conflict-ridden area.
The escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a significant precursor to a humanitarian crisis that has persisted for decades. The region has been susceptible to armed group activities, notably the M23 and ADF, which have significantly affected the civil population and fostered an environment of instability. Efforts to establish peace have centered on the Luanda and Nairobi processes, aiming to mediate the conflicts and reinforce the PSC Framework, which seeks to ensure cooperation and security throughout the region. The UN’s involvement, particularly through envoys such as Huang Xia, is critical to steering discussions towards sustained peace and addressing the humanitarian needs arising from the ongoing conflicts.
In conclusion, the escalating conflicts in the eastern DRC, marked by the territorial aggressions of the M23 rebel group, necessitate urgent dialogue among all conflicting parties. UN Envoy Huang Xia’s condemnation of the violence and his appeal for engagement in peace talks through established frameworks underscore the critical need for regional cooperation to restore stability and improve humanitarian conditions. The attention directed toward the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes illustrates a continued commitment to addressing the complexities of the region’s ongoing turmoil.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
