United Nations Secretary-General Expresses Grave Concern Over Escalating Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo

The United Nations Secretary-General has voiced deep alarm regarding the significant escalation of violence in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, and its severe humanitarian repercussions. Since December 2, over 200,000 individuals have been displaced by the intensified conflict. The Secretary-General has strongly condemned the offensive launched by the AFC m 23 in multiple locations across South Kivu, including Kamenyola, Lubungi, Katagota, and Uvira. These attacks have regrettably resulted in civilian casualties.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Secretary-General is calling for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the need for adherence to Security Council resolution 27 73. He highlighted that the current surge in violence poses a substantial risk to ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis. Furthermore, it heightens the potential for the conflict to spread into a wider regional conflagration.

The Secretary-General urged all parties involved to honor their commitments made under the Washington Doha framework for a comprehensive peace agreement, signed on November 15. He affirmed that the United Nations is fully committed to collaborating with its partners to ensure that vital humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. He also reiterated the organization’s readiness to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the broader region, in alignment with the peace, security, and cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region.

Information from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates a substantial increase in the number of people affected by the fighting since December 2. While some families have begun to return to areas where the situation has relatively stabilized, the majority of displaced individuals remain in overcrowded conditions. These settlements present heightened risks to their safety and well-being, with an increased threat of disease outbreaks, including cholera and mumps.

Reports from the ground describe the situation in Uvira town as currently calm, although sporadic gunfire continues to be heard in several neighborhoods. In a recent incident on Tuesday, an explosion in the Quemanga neighborhood reportedly claimed the lives of two civilians and left three others injured. Uvira’s primary referral hospital is reportedly overwhelmed, receiving a continuous influx of wounded individuals. This includes over 60 patients transferred from Ruzizi Hospital, which has reportedly ceased operations due to the prevailing insecurity.

The displacement is not confined to South Kivu; people are also fleeing towards the province of Tanganyika. Between December 8 and the present, at least 27,000 individuals have arrived in Kisongo and Kabimba, located in Kelemy territory. Additional arrivals have been reported in Kelemy Town and along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. OCHA is actively engaged with all parties to facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian teams and to enable the resumption of critical aid operations.

Efforts are currently underway to pre-position essential supplies, including shelter, water, food, and support for health and protection services. However, there is an urgent need for additional funding to provide life-saving assistance and protection to the newly displaced populations. The ongoing instability and displacement underscore the critical need for sustained international support and diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of the conflict and foster a lasting peace in the region.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from the United Nations

---