Pakistan Advocates Diplomatic Solutions for DRC Conflict at UN Security Council
Pakistan urges full implementation of the recent UN resolution regarding the DRC, focusing on diplomatic solutions over military ones. Ambassador Ahmad highlights the severe humanitarian crisis due to M23’s actions. MONUSCO continues its efforts amid significant challenges, with concerning reports of human rights violations. The humanitarian response remains critically underfunded, requiring urgent action.
On Thursday, Pakistan emphasized the necessity of fully implementing the recent UN Security Council resolution concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This resolution requests the withdrawal of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from Goma and surrounding areas. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative-designate to the United Nations, echoed the sentiment that a military solution to the ongoing conflict is unattainable and that diplomatic discussions between the DRC and Rwanda are crucial for regional peace.
During discussions on the worsening situation in the Eastern DRC, Ambassador Ahmad pointed out that the M23 rebels’ military activities, supported from abroad, have destabilized peace and severely impacted the lives of civilians. He highlighted the urgent need for M23 and other parties involved to cooperate earnestly with facilitation efforts led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ambassador Ahmad commended MONUSCO peacekeepers for their courageous efforts despite operating under challenging conditions. While they secure around 60% of the territory, M23 controls the remaining 40%, which impairs their operations. He called for the removal of restrictions on MONUSCO and accountability for those obstructing peace efforts.
The discussion also underscored the importance of reinforcing MONUSCO’s capabilities in collaboration with the DRC government. In summation, Ambassador Ahmad urged for a unified commitment to implement UN and African Union resolutions to establish long-lasting peace and stability in the region.
Bintou Keita, the head of MONUSCO, informed the Security Council about the alarming territorial gains of Rwandan-affiliated armed groups, particularly in Eastern DRC. She noted an increase in violence and displacement since M23’s seizure of pivotal cities like Goma and Bukavu, indicating a troubling establishment of parallel governance structures by these groups.
Despite MONUSCO’s extended mandate at the DRC’s request, armed factions have made significant advancements. Additionally, Ms. Keita reported a disturbing rise in human rights abuses, including mass executions and forced recruitment of children, with women and children suffering disproportionately. Reports of sexual violence in conflict zones have also surged, highlighting a critical humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Ituri province has further deteriorated due to violent clashes between armed groups, exacerbating the plight of civilians, particularly around mining areas. Although humanitarian access remains severely limited due to various factors, including insecurity and infrastructural constraints, MONUSCO continues its mandate through expanded protective measures and disarmament initiatives.
However, recent assessments show that the humanitarian response remains significantly underfunded, with only 8.2 percent secured for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan. Yet, efforts persist to facilitate cooperation with Congolese forces and address the pressing issues despite ongoing movement restrictions posed by M23, underscoring the complicated landscape of peacekeeping in the DRC.
In conclusion, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains critical, with calls from Pakistan for diplomatic resolutions rather than military interventions. The reflections from Ambassador Ahmad regarding the cooperation between M23 and MONUSCO highlight the importance of addressing both historical grievances and current humanitarian concerns. The alarming rise in violence, human rights violations, and humanitarian crises necessitates an urgent and coordinated global response to ensure stability and peace in the region.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
