UN Special Envoy: DRC-Rwanda Ceasefire Not Respected, Regional Conflict Risk High

Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Violations

• 🇺🇳 UN Special Envoy Huang Xia briefed the Security Council on the Great Lakes region, noting that despite diplomatic progress, the agreed-upon ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda is not being respected.
• 🕊️ A peace agreement was signed in Washington on June 27, facilitated by the US, with hopes for a lasting resolution, but parties have resumed military operations.
• 🌍 Commendable African-led and international peace efforts, including those by Qatar and the AU, have faced challenges in achieving genuine tranquility.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Risks

• 💔 The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic, with problematic humanitarian access and ongoing grave human rights violations targeting civilians.
• ⚠️ A dangerous trend of shifting front lines towards South Kivu poses a risk of regional conflation, threatening all peace efforts.
• 🚨 The Special Envoy warned of the potential for a regional flare-up that could annihilate all peace initiatives.

Priorities for Resolution

• 🛑 The uppermost priority is an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, with parties urged to comply with Security Council resolutions and agreements.
• 🤝 Full political support is needed for the implementation of the Washington agreement, including the repatriation of foreign armed groups and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
• 💰 Discussions on regional economic cooperation are promising, particularly concerning the illicit exploitation of natural resources, with efforts to improve traceability and transparency in mineral supply chains.

Strengthening Mediation and Addressing Root Causes

• 🌍 Supplemental efforts are necessary for unified and efficient African mediation, building on the UN's good offices and international coordination.
• 🔑 The Addis Ababa framework agreement remains a key tool for addressing the structural causes of the conflict, with efforts to revitalize it for better follow-up and accountability.
• 👩‍⚖️ The Special Envoy highlighted the importance of increasing the role of women in the peace process, aligning with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
• 🗣️ The Special Envoy called upon the main stakeholders, particularly the fraternal countries in the region, to resume direct dialogue and take necessary measures to end the war once and for all.