UN officials have warned that despite diplomatic progress, violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) persists, underscoring the need for stronger women’s leadership in peace efforts.
They noted that empowering women remains key to breaking the cycle of violence driven by M23 rebels reportedly backed by Rwanda fighting Congolese forces and allied groups.
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Briefing the Security Council on Wednesday on the worsening security situation in the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region, officials said tensions among the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi remain high despite mediation efforts in Doha and Washington.
They added that intensified fighting continues to claim lives and force families to flee, with women and children disproportionately affected by the displacement.
“The violence has deepened mistrust among neighbouring countries and risks undermining broader Great Lakes stability.
“Diplomacy alone is not enough. Without implementation of agreed commitments, including in resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808(2025) and genuine engagement to foster trust among the parties, peace efforts will fail.”
Ambassador Zenon Ngay Mukongo of the DRC emphasised the “complementary nature” of the Oversight and Verification Mechanism, the Doha Framework Agreement, the Washington Accords and the enhanced coordination of African-led peace efforts.
He said both sides agreed on the full implementation of resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808 (2025), while raising concerns about Rwanda’s commitment and that of its allied forces.
He cited a Jeune Afrique interview in early April and remarks at a February national dialogue, where Rwandan authorities acknowledged the presence of their troops in the DRC, describing it as “indispensable defence measures.”
They also denied allegations of looting natural resources in the DRC and rejected the threat of international sanctions.
He added that similar concerns apply to the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which he said Rwanda has delayed to “gain time” and establish a zone of influence in the DRC.
Rwanda was accused of seeking to turn parts of eastern DRC into a zone of control for exploitation, undermining regional peace and violating the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement.
Rwanda’s envoy, Ambassador Karoli Martin Ngoga, rejected the claims, noting the continued presence of genocide perpetrators in the DRC as a key security concern. He said Rwanda has upheld its commitments since 2013 but warned that instability persists due to unresolved root causes.
He stressed that the FDLR remains a direct threat to Rwanda and regional stability, insisting that lasting peace depends on its neutralisation. Ngoga also raised concerns over hate speech and violence against Rwandan-linked communities, warning that sustainable peace requires addressing these deep-rooted issues.
NAN