Is the UN Mission Alarmed by the Renewed Violence in Congo Provinces?

Kinshasa, July 24 (NationPress) The United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has expressed significant concern regarding a resurgence of armed conflict in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians since the beginning of July.

In a statement released from Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, MONUSCO condemned the recent assaults conducted by the Allied Democratic Forces, which have reportedly led to the deaths of at least 82 civilians across these provinces.

The mission also condemned the violence on July 21 in Djugu territory and the vandalism and looting of the Catholic parish of Lopa in Ituri Province by militia groups associated with the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO).

Attacks targeting religious sites, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities are serious infringements of international humanitarian law, as stated by MONUSCO.

"Those who commit these heinous acts must be brought to justice," asserted Bruno Lemarquis, the acting head of MONUSCO, urging the parties involved in the Aru II peace accords to fulfill their obligations and halt hostilities without delay.

The Aru II accords, signed in 2023 between the DRC government and various armed factions active in Ituri, including CODECO and its offshoots, were designed to establish a durable ceasefire, initiate disarmament, and promote peace in a province afflicted by intercommunal strife.

The eastern DRC has endured decades of instability fueled by ethnic discord, local militias, and foreign insurgent groups operating across its borders. Despite numerous regional peace efforts, violence continues to displace millions and obstruct stabilization initiatives in the region, as reported by Xinhua.

On July 19, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf welcomed the signing of a principles declaration between the DRC government and the March 23 Movement (M23) in Doha, Qatar, aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.

Youssouf characterized the declaration as a "significant achievement in the ongoing quest for lasting peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region."

He acknowledged the vital contributions of all parties involved, including regional facilitators from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, stating that the declaration represents renewed hope for regional collaboration and enduring peace.

The chairperson of the 55-member continental organization also praised the dialogue, compromise, and political will shown by the governments of the DRC and Rwanda.

The AU is fully dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the declaration and to foster sustainable peace, security, and development within the DRC and its surrounding region, the statement concluded.