Senior UN Official Urges Security Council to Act Swiftly on Resolution 2773 (2025)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by escalating violence and instability, particularly in the eastern regions. During a recent briefing to the UN Security Council, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, highlighted the urgent need for action to address the threats posed by armed groups, including the M23 movement. Despite recent diplomatic efforts, the situation remains precarious, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict and humanitarian aid severely underfunded.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has reached alarming levels, particularly in the provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu. The Armed Forces Coalition (AFC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) have intensified their offensive, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Lacroix emphasized that the humanitarian situation is critical, with only 22% of the Humanitarian Response Plan currently funded. Civilians continue to face threats from various armed groups, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is striving to protect internally displaced persons and support disarmament efforts, but operational constraints hinder its effectiveness.
Dr. Mohamed Javid Abdelmoneim, International President of Médecins Sans Frontières, echoed these concerns, reporting staggering levels of violence and deprivation. He noted that health systems are collapsing, and sexual violence is rampant, with nearly 28,000 survivors seeking care in just six months. The gap between political commitments and the harsh realities faced by millions of civilians is widening, highlighting the urgent need for effective action to protect vulnerable populations.
Challenges to Peace Processes
The recent discussions within the Security Council revealed a consensus on the necessity for all parties involved in peace processes to uphold their commitments. The United States expressed disappointment over the resurgence of violence and accused the Rwandan Defense Forces of supporting M23. The representative from the Russian Federation emphasized that the effectiveness of peace agreements should be measured by their implementation, not merely their signing. Concerns were raised that the ongoing violence in South Kivu contradicts the spirit of recent diplomatic accords, including the Washington Accords and the Doha Framework.
Delegates from various nations, including Panama and Denmark, reiterated that the signing of agreements does not guarantee peace. They stressed the importance of holding all parties accountable for their actions and ensuring that commitments made during negotiations are honored. The urgency of the situation calls for immediate and decisive action to prevent further escalation of violence and to restore stability in the region.
Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
During the Security Council meeting, several representatives called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. China’s delegate urged M23 to comply with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), emphasizing that military solutions are not viable for resolving the conflict. The representative of the United Kingdom echoed this sentiment, expressing concern over the rising violence in South Kivu and the need for political will to achieve peace.
Dr. Abdelmoneim’s testimony served as a wake-up call for the international community, highlighting the urgent need to protect civilians and prioritize diplomatic efforts. MONUSCO’s ability to operate effectively is under threat, with significant portions of its area of responsibility controlled by AFC/M23. The representatives of various nations stressed the importance of ensuring MONUSCO’s freedom of movement to fulfill its mandate and protect vulnerable populations.
Accountability and Regional Stability
The DRC’s representative condemned the violations of the agreements reached during recent diplomatic negotiations, citing ongoing attacks that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people. She called for targeted sanctions against military and political leaders responsible for the violence and urged the Security Council to enforce accountability measures. The representative from Rwanda countered that the DRC government had repeatedly broken the Washington agreement, exacerbating the conflict.
Burundi’s representative expressed concern over cross-border attacks and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance for refugees. He highlighted the potential for direct escalation between countries if violations continue. The situation remains precarious, with the international community facing a critical moment to act decisively to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
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