Kinshasa: A special representative of the UN Secretary-General engaged in discussions with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo to address issues of peace, security, and stability in Africa's Great Lakes region, as reported by local media.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xia Huang, the UN envoy, undertook a mission tour across several Great Lakes countries in preparation for an upcoming UN Security Council meeting in New York set for April 4. Xia emphasized the UN's commitment to assisting the nations within the Great Lakes region in their efforts to reduce tensions and achieve enduring stability.
The Security Council is poised to deliberate on the ongoing crisis in eastern Congo during their meeting. Key topics of discussion will include the enforcement of Resolution 2773, which was adopted on February 21, as well as seeking a comprehensive global resolution to ensure peace and security within the region.
Xia highlighted that the primary challenges to be addressed are the implementation of the resolution and the continuation of the Luanda and Nairobi processes. He noted that the forthcoming Security Council meeting represents a significant opportunity to work towards de-escalating current tensions and to engage in broader, more substantive discussions.
Recent developments include the capture of Nyabiondo city by the M23 rebels on Sunday. The rebel group has been expanding its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, having seized the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
Since January, the conflict has resulted in over 8,500 fatalities and left at least 5,700 people injured, as reported by Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba. The Congo government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels and deploying forces to eastern Congo at the onset of the latest offensive, allegations that Rwanda has consistently denied.
In response to these accusations, several countries, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have announced punitive measures and sanctions against Rwanda for their alleged involvement.