**Political unrest and security concerns in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)**
For several years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been the scene of heightened political tensions and growing insecurity, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The United Nations Special Representative for the DRC, Bintou Keita, recently warned of the situation, highlighting the challenges related to calls to revise the Constitution as well as the unrest caused by armed groups such as the ADF, M23, CODECO and Zaire.
In her speech to the Security Council, Bintou Keita highlighted the persistent presence of the M23, a group that is not a signatory to the ceasefire agreement, which has consolidated its civilian and military influence in North Kivu. Now controlling large areas in the Masisi, Rutshuru, Walikale, Nyiragongo and Lubero regions, the M23 occupies twice the size of its territory in 2012. Meanwhile, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remain the deadliest armed group, causing the deaths of hundreds of civilians in recent months.
The precarious security situation in the DRC is alarmingly worsening the humanitarian crisis, which is also exacerbated by the growing challenges of climate change. According to OCHA, nearly 6.4 million people are currently displaced due to armed conflict and natural disasters. At the same time, the spread of epidemics is further aggravating the already critical humanitarian situation.
Regarding the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, stressed the importance of taking into account the regional dimension of the conflict and ensuring a gradual and responsible approach to the withdrawal of MONUSCO. This process should address cross-border threats and avoid any security vacuum.
In a context where the stakes transcend national borders, it is essential to understand the complexity of the different actors involved and adopt a coordinated approach. The Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations, Ernest Rwamucyo, stressed that the crisis in the DRC cannot be reduced to a simple “Rwanda-DRC” conflict, but requires a nuanced understanding and concerted actions from the international community.
In this regard, a tripartite Angola-Rwanda-DRC summit will be held in Luanda in December 2024 under the auspices of President Lourenço, to strengthen stabilization and peace efforts in eastern DRC. This summit marks a crucial step in mediation initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability and economic development in the region..
However, the success of the mediators’ efforts depends on the commitment of all parties concerned, including the Security Council, to the process aimed at establishing a secure and stable environment in the region. It is essential that everyone contributes to creating the conditions conducive to security and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, because only a collective approach can lead to a lasting solution to this complex crisis.
Through these multiple challenges, the DRC aspires to return to the path of peace and progress, thus highlighting the importance of sustained international cooperation and strengthened solidarity to overcome obstacles and build a better future for all.