Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN emphasized the absence of a military solution in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. The country called for full implementation of UN resolutions regarding the M23 rebel withdrawal and highlighted the need for diplomatic dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda. MONUSCO’s efforts are crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis, but they face significant operational challenges amidst ongoing violence and human rights violations.
On Thursday, Pakistan urged the United Nations Security Council to implement last month’s resolution that called for the withdrawal of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels from Goma and surrounding areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Pakistan emphasized the necessity of diplomatic negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda to achieve peace, stating, “It is evident that there is no military solution to this conflict,” according to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s representative to the UN.
Ambassador Ahmad highlighted the grave humanitarian implications caused by the M23’s military activities, which have destabilized the lives of innocent civilians and heightened regional tensions. He insisted that all factions, particularly the M23, must engage sincerely in discussions facilitated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, as these initiatives address the complex issues at play, including security concerns.
He commended the MONUSCO peacekeepers for their efforts in challenging conditions but acknowledged that M23 controls a significant portion of the territory, which impedes the peacekeepers’ effectiveness. Ahmad advocated for lifting restrictions on MONUSCO’s operations and called for accountability for those obstructing their mission.
In her briefing, Bintou Keita, head of MONUSCO, alerted the Council to the rise of armed groups affiliated with M23 in eastern DRC, expressing concern over expanding violence and displacement following M23’s seizure of key cities. She noted that these armed factions were establishing a parallel administration and appointing officials, exasperating the security crisis.
Despite previous attempts at troop withdrawal requested by the DRC, the Security Council extended the mandate of MONUSCO to ensure continued support against armed group activities. Ms. Keita reported alarming human rights violations, including the summary execution of civilians and the forced recruitment of children into armed groups. She asserted that women and children are disproportionately affected, with incidents of sexual violence on the rise amid the turmoil.
Charlotte Slente from the Danish Refugee Council further elaborated on the plight of internally displaced children, detailing traumatic experiences and survival sex among girls. In Ituri province, violence between CODECO and various armed factions has escalated, deeply impacting the local population.
As humanitarian access remains severely hindered due to threats and infrastructure limitations, the urgency of the situation is compounded by a broader financial crisis. As of March, the funding for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan was alarmingly low at only 8.2 percent, creating additional challenges for ongoing aid efforts. Despite these obstacles, MONUSCO continues to enhance its operations, including increased patrols and successful disarmament initiatives, underscoring its critical role in supporting the DRC during this turbulent period.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains critical, with significant ramifications for regional peace and security. Pakistan’s call for diplomatic resolution and full implementation of UN resolutions highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. With continued violence and human rights abuses, particularly against vulnerable populations, the international community must enhance support for peacekeeping missions and humanitarian response initiatives in the region to foster sustainable stability.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
