UN warns of escalating insecurity in DR Congo
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M23 rebels pose with their weapons in Kibumba, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on December 23, 2022.
The United Nations has warned of increasing insecurity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with tensions rising due to political instability, armed group activities, and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Bintou Keita, the UN Special Representative in the DRC, addressed the UN Security Council on December 9, highlighting the escalating challenges faced by the country, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
Keita noted that political unrest surrounding calls to amend the country’s constitution has exacerbated an already volatile environment. Additionally, she pointed to the continued and worsening insecurity in North Kivu and Ituri, largely driven by the activities of various armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the M23 militia, and CODECO, as well as militant forces from the neighboring region of Zaïre. The M23, a group that refused to sign a ceasefire agreement, has grown in strength, expanding its control over vast areas in North Kivu. As of now, the M23 controls territories in Masisi, Rutshuru, Walikale, Nyiragongo, and Lubero, an area that is now twice as large as it was in 2012. Meanwhile, the ADF has remained the deadliest armed faction in the region, responsible for killing hundreds of civilians in recent months.
The continued violence has significantly worsened the humanitarian crisis in the DRC. Keita reported that the country is facing a devastating displacement crisis, with nearly 6.4 million people forced to flee their homes due to both armed conflicts and natural disasters. This displacement has been compounded by the impact of multiple epidemics that have added to the suffering of the Congolese population. The humanitarian situation is further strained by the challenges of climate change, which have intensified the existing problems.
Keita’s briefing to the Security Council highlighted the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the DRC. As part of the broader discussion, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). She called for the mandate’s renewal to take into account the regional dimensions of the conflict and ensure a gradual, conditional withdrawal of MONUSCO forces, while also preventing any security vacuum from emerging. She stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to deal with cross-border security threats and the volatile political and military dynamics in the region.
Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, also weighed in on the complexity of the situation. He cautioned against simplifying the conflict as a mere “Rwanda-DRC issue,” stressing that it is a multifaceted crisis involving many actors. He emphasized the need for the international community to approach the conflict with a nuanced understanding and to take coordinated action to address its root causes.
In a related development, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Angola to the UN, Mateus Luemba, announced that a tripartite summit would be held in Luanda on December 15, 2024. The summit, involving Angola, Rwanda, and the DRC, would be hosted by Angolan President João Lourenço. The summit’s goal is to accelerate efforts toward peace, stability, and economic development in the eastern part of the DRC. Luemba also underscored that the success of mediation efforts hinges on the continued support of all relevant parties, including the UN Security Council, in creating a conducive environment for peace and stability in the region.
The ongoing crisis in the DRC highlights the urgent need for international attention and action to address both the immediate security threats posed by armed groups and the broader political and humanitarian issues that continue to affect the population. Despite efforts by the UN, regional actors, and international stakeholders, the DRC remains trapped in a cycle of violence, with no immediate end in sight. The upcoming summit in Luanda is seen as a critical opportunity for regional leaders to step up their efforts and work towards a lasting solution to the DRC’s instability. However, the complexity of the situation calls for continued and coordinated efforts from the international community to support peace and stability in the region.
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