United Nations calls for immediate ceasefire in Congo
On February 21st, the United Nations Security Council unanimously agreed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to AfricaNews, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels took control of two key cities in Congo’s eastern region over the last month, after a major escalation in their conflict with Congolese forces. On February 16th, the rebels captured the city of Bukavu, while on January 29th they advanced on the key city of Goma. The M23 rebels are thought to be supported by around 4000 Rwandan troops.
Nicolas de Rivière, representative to the United Nations in France said “there is no military solution to the conflict. The M23 offensive, supported by Rwanda, must end. The priority now is to reach an effective, unconditional, and immediate ceasefire agreement.”
At the same time, Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, accused Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi of ignoring the concerns of Congo’s ethnic group, the Tutsis disregarding previously instituted peace agreements.
Representative to the United Nations in the DRC, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, said “while it took the Council some time to reach a consensus, its resilience is evident. On behalf of the Government and all citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially those from Bunagana to Kamanyola, Goma, Sake, Minova, Nyabibwe, Kalehe, Kavumu, and Bukavu, I sincerely thank all members of the Council.”
AfricaNews, Maghrebi, United Nations Peacekeeping
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