DR Congo: Peace nonetheless elusive regardless of ‘progress we see on paper’, UN official says

“There are discrepancies between the progress we see on paper and the reality we observe on the ground which continues to be marred with violence,” mentioned Bintou Keita, presenting the Secretary-General’s newest report.

She highlighted progress because the signing of the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda on 27 June, together with the signing of a declaration of precept between the Congolese Government and the AFC/M23 insurgent group in Doha the next month.

The DRC has lengthy accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 and the developments got here within the wake of a lethal offensive within the japanese provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, launched late final yr, with the rebels capturing key cities and villages, together with provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. 

Mounting civilian deaths

“However, peace has been slow to be felt on the ground,” she mentioned. 

Since June, MONUSCO has recorded some 1,087 civilians killed throughout violence in Ituri and North Kivu, “and this toll is growing day by day.”

Ms. Keita recalled that in February, the Council “sent a clear message to all parties” by adopting resolution 2773 (2025), which referred to as for a direct and unconditional cessation of hostilities.

Resolution ‘largely unimplemented’

“Eight months later, the key provisions of resolution 2773 remain largely unimplemented. Despite the Council’s requests, the AFC/M23 have continued to pursue a logic of territorial expansion and consolidation,” she mentioned. 

Since taking Goma, they “have replaced formal institutions with alternative structures” and educated greater than 7,000 new recruits.  

“MONUSCO has received numerous requests for personal protection in AFC/M23-controlled territories. In Rutshuru territory, July was the deadliest month since the group’s resurgence end of November 2021,” she added.  

 “This underscores the persisting gap between the decisions of this Council and the realities on the ground.”

Other teams stay energetic

But “violence is not the domain of a single armed group” because the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have continued assaults in North Kivu and Ituri, linked to the ISIL Islamist-linked terrorist group within the area. It has executed some 300 civilians over the previous three months. 

Meanwhile, clashes between the Convention for Popular Revolution (CRP) militia and the Congolese military, the FARDC, have added to the toll. Attacks by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) additionally proceed.

She additionally addressed the scenario in South Kivu province though it’s not lined by MONUSCO’s operational mandate, the place severe abuses and violations are being dedicated by the Wazalendo and allied armed teams.

Mission faces restrictions

Ms. Keita mentioned the difficult surroundings restricts MONUSCO’s capacity to hold out its mandate, significantly in Goma and different areas below AFC/M23 management.

“Fuel and food supplies are delayed. Many troop rotations are still blocked. Exhausted contingents remain in place for several months. Electricity and water cuts cripple bases and life-support systems. Goma airport is still closed,” she mentioned.

Humanitarians additionally face obstacles comparable to roadblocks, shrinking entry, and assaults, thus affecting support supply.

Protecting civilians, selling security

“Despite this complex setting, MONUSCO continues to protect civilians where possible,” and its bases “shelter communities under imminent threat,” she mentioned.  

On 16 September, at the very least 600 girls, males ladies and boys took shelter in trenches on the base in Drodro, Ituri province, throughout clashes between CODECO and the Zaire group.

“Beyond these immediate responses, MONUSCO’s broader presence also provides communities a greater sense of safety,” she added.

Millions going hungry

Ms. Keita reported that the humanitarian response plan for the DRC is simply over 15 per cent funded up to now, in comparison with 41 per cent on the identical time final yr.

“The withdrawal of certain major donors has led to a collapse in financing,” she mentioned.

“As a result, over 27.7 million people are facing food insecurity, including 5.7 million in Ituri and North Kivu. In certain places, aid has been suspended. Fewer people will receive assistance. For others, their rations will be reduced.”

Furthermore, maternal mortality is rising and the hole between important wants and out there sources is rising.  

“The many gaps I have described today affects negatively the population,” she advised ambassadors, warning that “if we fail to close these gaps, millions of civilians will continue to pay the price.”