New York, 13 July 2022 (TDI): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued a statement on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo reaffirming its support for national and regional peace efforts.

The Council President and Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN, Ronaldo Costa Filho, lauded the summit hosted by President Lourenco of Angola between President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Kagame of Rwanda.


The need for a regional solution

UNSC emphasized the need for a regional and national solution to the situation concerning DR Congo. Subsequently, the Council commended the Angolan brokered mediation efforts as well as noted the Road Map of International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.

They encouraged the parties to implement the Road Map and utilize subregional organizations and mechanisms to rebuild trust and dialogue.

In this regard, the Council underscored the importance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission and the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism.

Finally, the Council welcomed the Communique of the Septet Summit and Third Conclave of the East African Community Heads of State on the peace and security situation in the eastern DR Congo held in Nairobi. It added the need to operationalize the EAC Regional Force.

Condemning armed groups

UNSC condemned armed groups for their actions threatening peace and stability in the region. The Council severely condemned attacks on civilians, civilian objects, UN personnel, and peacekeepers from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

It also urged armed groups to participate unconditionally in the disarmament, demobilization, community recovery, and stabilization program (P-DDRCS). Foreign armed groups were urged to immediately disarm and return to their countries of origin.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR