UN Secretary-General Calls for Action to Resolve Congo Crisis
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Synopsis
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, is advocating for decisive measures to address the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and dialogue amidst escalating violence and humanitarian concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Antonio Guterres highlights the alarming situation in DRC.
- Intensified conflict between M23 rebels and government forces.
- Thousands of lives lost and many displaced.
- Humanitarian conditions around Goma are perilous.
- Call for international cooperation to end the crisis.
United Nations, Feb 7 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for increased efforts to resolve the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
During a press briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres characterized the circumstances in DRC as "profoundly alarming."
In January, clashes intensified between the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel faction and Congolese government troops. The insurgents asserted they had seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and a crucial regional center, before advancing southward towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern sector is inflicting a significant humanitarian crisis, leading to thousands of fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands in the eastern region, Guterres remarked.
He indicated that the humanitarian conditions surrounding Goma are dire. "As the fighting persists in South Kivu, the risks are spreading throughout the entire region," he added.
"My message is unequivocal: Silence the weapons. Halt the escalation. Honor the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws," Guterres emphasized.
Stressing that no military solution exists for the crisis, the UN leader stated, "It is time for dialogue. It is time to bring this crisis to an end. It is time for peace."
He called upon all stakeholders, including neighboring nations, subregional organizations, the African Union, and the United Nations, to engage actively and constructively in resolving the conflict, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Guterres made this peace appeal ahead of the upcoming African Union summit focused on the DRC situation in Addis Ababa, where he is set to participate next week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented over 900 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries.
Thousands have been displaced, with many fleeing to neighboring Rwanda, including personnel from international agencies such as the UN and the World Bank.
The M23 declared a unilateral ceasefire following confrontations with the Congolese army over control of Goma.
