UN Envoy Huang Xia condemns escalating violence in Eastern DRC, urges dialogue

UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, has strongly condemned the escalating tensions and the breakdown of the ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the worsening situation is further deteriorating the already fragile humanitarian conditions for civilians.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Xia expressed deep concern over the territorial expansion of the M23 rebel group and the renewed violence, emphasising the urgent need for dialogue.

He urged all conflicting parties to engage in peace talks through the Luanda and Nairobi regional peace processes and refrain from actions that could violate both national and regional commitments under the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the DRC and the region.

The PSC Framework, signed in Addis Ababa in 2013, prohibits the violation of territorial integrity and support for armed groups.

Xia reminded all parties that the continued hostilities are undermining collective efforts to promote long-term stability and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region.

"The Special Envoy reaffirms his commitment, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, to support the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC and to end the prolonged suffering of the civilian population," the statement added.

The DRC remains gripped by worsening violence, with ongoing conflicts displacing millions and straining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.

Rebel groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23 have played a central role in fueling instability in the resource-rich region, which has experienced decades of conflict.

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