United Nations, New York – The United Nations has warned that violence is escalating in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at brokering peace. The warning comes as thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the conflict-ridden region.
According to a UN official, progress on the diplomatic front has not translated into an improvement in the security situation on the ground. This is partly due to the M23 rebel group, which reportedly signed a peace declaration in Qatar in July. The group was not directly involved in the negotiations and has since stated that it will not adhere to the agreement’s terms.
“Regrettably, the evolution of the security situation on the ground has not matched the progress achieved on the diplomatic front,” said Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa.
During a recent UN Security Council meeting, the DRC’s ambassador, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, expressed skepticism about Rwanda’s commitment to peace, accusing Kigali and its alleged M23 affiliates of ignoring the agreements. Rwanda’s UN envoy, Martin Ngoga, responded by stating that while the DRC’s territorial integrity is non-negotiable, so is Rwanda’s, and urged Congo to treat all its citizens equally.
A final ceasefire deal between the DRC and M23, which was to be brokered by Qatar, has missed its deadline. With no public signs of ongoing negotiations, the prospects for peace in the region remain uncertain.
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