Enhanced regional efforts to pursue peace in DRC

Thank you, President. Let me begin by extending a warm welcome to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the DRC, Lutundula, as well as the representatives of Rwanda and Uganda. I also thank ASG Pobi and Special Envoy Zia for their briefing.

I will focus my intervention on the security and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC and on ongoing regional efforts to advance peace.

The United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the delicate security situation in eastern DRC. The latest renewal of violence threatens recent efforts to advance peace. In particular, we note the deep and understandable anger from countries in the region with regard to alleged cross-border attacks.

The United Kingdom recalls the impact that decades of violence in the Great Lakes have had on the lives and future of the people of the DRC and the wider region. This council cannot be harsher for the displacement of more than 5 million people, as well as serious and continuing violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The United Kingdom welcomes the recent increased diplomatic outreach and dialogue between countries in the region. The leaders of the region, convened by President Kenyatta, have shown the statesman their people deserve. We also welcome the participation of the African Union and regional mechanisms.

It is clear that there are many actors in the DRC and the wider region who will be happy to see this regional determination to deliver peace fail. In this context, we call on the leaders of the region to redouble their efforts for dialogue, de-escalation and use of effective regional mechanisms to resolve disputes.

We reiterate our call to all armed groups operating in eastern DRC to immediately cease violence and to participate unconditionally in the ongoing political process in Nairobi.

President, the high levels of violence and insecurity, especially perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces, CODECO and M23 armed groups, are hindering humanitarian access and endangering the lives of highly vulnerable populations. Similarly, the frequent abductions of humanitarian workers in the Sake-Masi area mean that critical aid is not reaching those in greatest need. We urge the government to take concrete action against crime in the region and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

We are also concerned about the risk to civilians from intersectarian violence, particularly in IDP camps in Ituri Province. There is a dire need of a sustainable plan for their protection. In this regard, it is important that there is a strong coordination and supportive relationship with MONUSCO to maintain the security and safety of citizens. This will be especially important as MONUSCO prepares to withdraw from Tanganyika province and focus its efforts on the conflict-hit provinces of North and South Kivu and Ituri.

Mr President, we see this as a moment of both hope and risk for the DRC and the wider region. The United Kingdom stands with those who want a more peaceful future for the people of the DRC and its region.

Thanks.

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