Secretary-General Calls for Immediate Respect of Agreements
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a poignant video message at the Conference in Support of Peace and Prosperity in the Great Lakes Region, held in Paris. He highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where decades of violence have led to immense suffering. Guterres called for urgent global support, emphasizing the need for peace agreements to be honored and humanitarian aid to be funded adequately.
Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing one of the worst humanitarian situations globally, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. For over thirty years, the Congolese people have been trapped in a relentless cycle of violence, hunger, and displacement. This year alone, armed conflicts have resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The statistics are alarming: more than 21 million individuals require humanitarian assistance, while 5.7 million are displaced from their homes. Additionally, over 27 million people are grappling with food insecurity. Essential services, including healthcare, water, sanitation, and education, are collapsing, exacerbating the crisis. The resurgence of cholera cases and reports of forced recruitment, executions, and sexual violence further highlight the urgent need for intervention.
Steps Toward Peace and Stability
Despite the grim situation, Guterres acknowledged some positive developments in the region. Notably, a Peace Agreement facilitated by the United States between Rwanda and the DRC has been a significant step forward. Ongoing negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 (23 March Movement), mediated by Qatar, have also led to a recent agreement focused on ceasefire monitoring and verification. However, violence continues to plague North and South Kivu and Ituri Provinces, threatening the stability of the Great Lakes region. Guterres stressed that the conference must serve as a pivotal moment for change, as millions of civilians depend on the global community’s support.
Call for Global Support and Commitment
In his message, Guterres urged donors to contribute to the Humanitarian Response Plan, which remains critically underfunded. He emphasized that the ongoing fighting must cease and that peace agreements should be implemented without delay. The Secretary-General called on all parties to honor their commitments under the Washington Peace Agreement and the Doha Declaration of Principles, as well as to comply fully with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025). He underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC while addressing the root causes of instability and violence in the region.
The Role of the United Nations
The United Nations remains committed to supporting peace efforts in the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. Guterres highlighted the role of MONUSCO, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in facilitating the implementation of a permanent ceasefire. He concluded his message with a hopeful vision for the future, urging all stakeholders to work together to build a peaceful and prosperous environment for the people of the DRC and the surrounding areas. The need for collective action and sustained commitment has never been more critical.
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