The Permanent Representative of the DRC to the UN, Zenon Ngay Mukongo says the Democratic Republic of Congo will defend its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the security of its populations at all costs while remaining open to a political resolution of the conflict with Rwanda through diplomatic means.
He was responding to declarations from the Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, who expressed grave concern on Monday July 08, 2024 while updating the Security Council on her mandated activities on the security situation in the DRC.
“The security situation in Eastern DRC has continued to deteriorate, reaching alarming levels of violence and civilian displacements. I am extremely concerned about the rapid expansion of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) in North Kivu and the spill over into South Kivu, despite numerous operations conducted by the FARDC, regularly supported by MONUSCO and SAMIDRC.
A report by a group of UN experts unveiled Monday found that Uganda provides support to M23 rebels who are allegedly backed by Rwanda.
Zenon Ngay Mukongo, said the path to peace will only be credible if Rwandan troops effectively withdraw from Congolese territory to allow for genuine and constructive dialogue.”
His counterpart Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwanda Permanent Representative to the United Nations said, “I wish to express once again, Rwanda’s support for regional initiatives, especially the Nairobi and Luanda Peace Processes. Rwanda strongly appeals to the international community to support these regional efforts which focus on political solutions, including the need for a political dialogue, and the need to permanently address the issue of the FDLR by disarming, demobilizing, and repatriating them to Rwanda.”
The DRC today counts 7.3 million displaced people, including 6.9 million in the Eastern provinces alone. International Humanitarian Law violations are impeding humanitarian aid delivery. The growing proximity of the frontlines and the presence of weapons (including heavy artillery) within and around displacement camps and spontaneous sites significantly compromise the security of the displaced and resident populations
