ICG Urgent Statement on Situation in Eastern DRC

The situation in eastern DRC remains a critical concern for the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG). The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to hinder regional stability and prosperity. The ICG reiterates its backing for the international peace initiatives currently underway, which are facilitated by Qatar, the United States, the African Union's designated mediator Faure Gnassingbé (President of the Togolese Republic's Council of Ministers), the Panel of Facilitators, and regional partners. The ICG acknowledges the advancements made through the Washington Accords between the DRC and Rwanda, alongside the Doha Framework Agreement between the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23). Additionally, the ICG commends the progress achieved by the DRC Government and AFC/M23 from April 13 to 19 in Montreux, Switzerland. This meeting supported humanitarian operations and demonstrated a commitment to releasing prisoners and implementing the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, supported by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and MONUSCO, as per the public statement issued after the meeting. On April 23 in Washington, D.C., the ICG also welcomed the achievements of the Joint Oversight Committee meeting between the DRC and Rwanda. Both parties expressed their dedication to honoring the commitments made in the Washington Accords and recognizing the vital nature of implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773. The ICG emphasizes the necessity of fostering an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key stakeholders, which is essential for lasting peace in the DRC, and appreciates the consultations initiated by the Republic of Angola. The ICG calls on all conflict parties to harness this momentum, adhere to their commitments under present and past agreements, and remain resolute in pursuing peace through negotiations. The ICG stresses that no military solution can resolve the ongoing conflict. All involved parties bear the responsibility to protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. The rising use of drones by various actors, including state actors, has resulted in a growing number of civilian casualties. The ICG firmly condemns violations of international humanitarian law. An urgent need exists for enhanced civil-military coordination, better notification procedures, and the advanced identification of humanitarian infrastructure. Political progress must swiftly translate into tangible improvements on the ground. All parties are urged to respect the ceasefire and work towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian personnel require safe, swift, and unimpeded access. The ICG calls on all parties to enable humanitarian assistance in compliance with international humanitarian law, including by ensuring the sustained operation of Goma and Kavumu airports, establishing safe humanitarian corridors in North and South Kivu, and streamlining administrative processes. The recent Ebola outbreak—declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO on May 17, and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa CDC on May 18—exacerbates the already precarious humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. The ICG urges all conflict parties to facilitate efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak, highlighting the critical need for regional cooperation to tackle shared challenges. In alignment with the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, the ICG will continue providing support to regional partners in addressing conflict drivers and fostering sustainable peace and prosperity throughout the Great Lakes area. Long-term stability will require inclusive governance, accountability, and the protection of rights to effectively address longstanding grievances and disrupt cycles of instability. For further reading on humanitarian issues in the DRC, visit the World Health Organization or Human Rights Watch. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-of-the-international-contact-group-for-the-great-lakes-icg-on-the-situation-in-the-eastern-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-drc

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