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Operational difficulties have intensified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), largely due to ongoing misinformation campaigns that misrepresent the functions of UN peacekeepers. This statement was made by the Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the DRC and head of the peacekeeping operation, MONUSCO, during a press briefing held at UN Headquarters via a video link from the DRC.
Despite these challenges, the mission is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities and is actively engaged in safeguarding hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in eastern DRC. The recent arrival of the Force Commander in Beni exemplifies this commitment, according to the representative.
Continued Peacekeeping Initiatives
Ms. Keita emphasized that even with various obstacles, the UN mission persists in supporting the DRC and its armed forces. Recently, MONUSCO has taken action against the CODECO armed group’s attacks and established two bases aimed at protecting civilians.
The core objective of MONUSCO, defined under international law, is to protect unarmed individuals seeking safety at its bases. Currently, this includes safeguarding approximately 1,400 individuals, many of whom are women and children, who are at high risk following the fall of Goma in January.
However, Ms. Keita expressed concern, stating that the current circumstances are not sustainable. She pointed to the difficulties faced in continuing to provide shelter and essential supplies for those it protects.
Reiterating the mission’s commitment to civilian security, MONUSCO called for a safe and dignified transfer of these individuals to secure locations, emphasizing the importance of respecting their rights and choices.
Urgent Call for Ceasefire
Ms. Keita underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, urging Rwanda to halt its support for the M23 and to respect the DRC’s territorial integrity. She called on all armed groups in Ituri to cease their violent acts against civilians and condemned the ADF armed group’s brutal attacks in the eastern regions.
Additionally, she appealed to all armed factions to disarm and halt the seizure of communities, noting that military solutions are not capable of resolving this humanitarian crisis.
Ms. Keita asserted that a political resolution and constructive dialogue are essential to address the ongoing conflict. She emphasized the need to include women in the peace-building process, asserting that their perspectives must be integrated into discussions.
Security Council Preparations
The Security Council is preparing to vote on a relevant resolution concerning the DRC, with expectations for unanimous approval from its fifteen members.
She highlighted that the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives, along with other African-led processes, should serve as the path towards achieving peace.
Ultimately, the resolution of the DRC’s conflicts is vital for restoring peace and stability in the region, she stated.
Appeal for Humanitarian Support
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, issued an urgent appeal for $40.4 million aimed at providing protection and assistance to 275,000 internally displaced individuals across South Kivu, North Kivu, Maniema, and Tanganyika provinces. This appeal also anticipates support for an influx of 258,000 refugees, asylum-seekers, and returnees in neighboring countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
According to Dujarric, there is an immediate need for shelter, food, sanitation facilities, and suitable relocation for new arrivals to address overcrowding issues. He indicated that UNHCR and its partners are bolstering assistance, offering warm meals and water to those newly arrived, while requiring various forms of relief supplies.
Humanitarian Access Compromised by Violence
In South Kivu, ongoing clashes in Uvira have raised concerns among humanitarian partners regarding accessibility for aid operations, including emergency medical transport; hospitals are reporting daily civilian casualties, as stated by the UN spokesperson.
Moreover, fighting in the Kalehe territory has resulted in the displacement of over 50,000 individuals within the past week, many of whom are fleeing to Burundi. Since February, more than 40,000 Congolese nationals—predominantly women and children—have sought refuge in Burundi, indicating a pressing need for international humanitarian assistance.
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