UN Security Council Condemns M23 Offensives in DRC
The United Nations Security Council has taken a decisive stand against the ongoing offensives by the 23 March Movement (M23) in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a unanimous vote, the Council adopted resolution 2773 (2025), demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities by M23 and the withdrawal of its forces from occupied territories. This resolution underscores the urgency of restoring peace and stability in a region plagued by conflict and humanitarian crises.
Resolution 2773: A Call for Immediate Action
The Security Council’s resolution 2773 (2025) sends a clear message to M23 and its supporters. The Council has called for an immediate end to hostilities and the withdrawal of M23 from all areas under its control. Additionally, the resolution demands the dismantling of any illegitimate parallel administrations established by M23 in the DRC. The Council also urged the Rwanda Defence Force to cease its support for M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory without preconditions. This action reflects the Council’s commitment to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
Moreover, the resolution emphasizes the need for diplomatic dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali. The Council supports ongoing regional initiatives, particularly the Luanda and Nairobi processes, aimed at fostering peace in the region. The resolution also highlights the importance of humanitarian assistance, urging all parties to facilitate the timely delivery of aid to affected populations. The establishment of temporary humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu is deemed essential to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the conflict.
International Support for African-Led Initiatives
Delegates at the Security Council meeting stressed the importance of supporting African-led initiatives to resolve the conflict in the DRC. Algeria’s representative emphasized that a political settlement is the only viable solution to end the violence. He called for external actors to refrain from negative interventions that exacerbate the situation. The representative from Sierra Leone echoed this sentiment, highlighting the illegal exploitation of natural resources as a key driver of instability in the region. He urged adherence to international frameworks to prevent the financing of armed groups.
Somalia’s representative pointed out that achieving lasting peace requires inclusive dialogue and regional cooperation. He noted that the convergence of the Luanda and Nairobi processes represents a significant step forward in regional collaboration. The representative of China also underscored the need for resolutions that support regional processes and build synergy with mediation efforts. The collective message from various delegates is clear: a sustainable solution to the conflict must come from within Africa, with international support aligning with existing initiatives.
Concerns Over Accountability and Military Solutions
The issue of accountability was a focal point during the discussions. The representative of the United States reported sanctions imposed on key figures associated with M23 and the Rwandan government. This action underscores the need for accountability in the ongoing conflict. However, the representative also emphasized that while African solutions are crucial, the Security Council must remain vigilant and ready to act swiftly if necessary.
The representatives from various countries reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict in the DRC. The representative of the Republic of Korea warned that the region is on the brink of a full-scale war if diplomatic efforts are not prioritized. Both Kinshasa and Kigali must return to meaningful dialogue to prevent further escalation. The representative from Guyana echoed this sentiment, urging both nations to adhere to their commitments under the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
Reactions from DRC and Rwanda
The representative of the DRC expressed gratitude for the Council’s unanimous decision but criticized the delay in action, which he believes allowed the Rwandan Defence Force to illegally occupy Congolese territory. He urged immediate implementation of the resolution to provide relief to those suffering in occupied areas. In contrast, Rwanda’s delegate raised concerns about what he termed “unprecedented intimidation of African voices” within the Council. He argued that any resolution must consider Rwanda’s security challenges and the grievances of the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
Angola’s representative called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue, reinforcing the notion that military solutions are inadequate for addressing the dire security situation in the DRC. He welcomed the resolution as a significant step toward preventing further conflict and emphasized the need for African solutions to African problems.
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