BUJUMBURA: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for swift and reinforced efforts to put an end to the chronic cycle of conflict and violence in the natural resources-rich Great Lakes region of Africa.
Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Security, Peace and Cooperation Framework for DR Congo and the region, held in Bujumbura, Burundi, Guterres emphasized the urgent need to halt the grave human rights violations and sexual violence inflicted by over 100 armed groups on communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Guterres highlighted the resurgence of the M23 armed group in the DRC in 2021, which has led to more than 500,000 people being displaced due to the violence. He also expressed concern about the “extremely worrisome” security situation in Ituri province. The ongoing violence not only threatens the stability of the DRC but also poses a significant risk to the entire Great Lakes region.
The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, signed in 2013 in Addis Ababa, was meant to bring an end to decades of violence and had initially raised hopes.
Guterres called for renewed efforts from the signatory countries, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the African Union, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the challenges. He urged armed groups to lay down their arms and join the demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration processes.
UN chief emphasizes the need to prioritize dialogue
Guterres emphasized the need to prioritize dialogue among the parties involved, finding sustainable solutions to differences, and ending impunity for cross-border crimes.
He stressed the importance of including the voices of women, young people, and displaced persons in all political, security, and judicial processes, as their perspectives are crucial for achieving lasting peace.
Addressing the region’s abundant natural and cultural resources, Guterres highlighted the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s second-largest rainforest, which accounts for 10 percent of global biodiversity.
He emphasized the necessity of ensuring that these resources become a source of prosperity and development rather than conflict and unsustainable exploitation. Guterres stated that peace and development must go hand in hand.
The UN Secretary-General expressed the UN’s continued commitment and support to the region, welcoming the initiative taken by the Security and Peace Council of the African Union in revitalizing the Framework in February.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve the common objectives of security, peace, and cooperation outlined in the Addis Ababa Framework, stating that the peoples of the region are relying on the international community to address their aspirations.
As the situation in the Great Lakes region remains fragile, concerted actions and a comprehensive approach are necessary to bring lasting peace, stability, and prosperity to the region.
