KAMPALA, January 29, 2025 – The Peace and Security Council [PSC] of the African Union [AU] has in a communique circulated to media houses, and other channels, voiced deep concern over the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] following a series of attacks by the M23 rebel group and its supporters. The PSC convened an emergency meeting yesterday, underscoring the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the region.
The recent offensive launched by the M23 has seen the capture of key towns, including Minova, Sake, and the regional capital, Goma, resulting in civilian casualties and exacerbating an already fragile security environment. The attacks have also led to increased tensions between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda, further complicating efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.
In a communiqué adopted during the meeting in Addis Ababa yesterday, the PSC expressed grave concern over the rising violence, which has led to the displacement of thousands of people, particularly women and children. The AU strongly condemned the attacks by the M23, as well as the activities of other armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces [ADF] and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda [FDLR], which have further destabilised the region.
The PSC called for the immediate and unconditional cessation of attacks by all armed groups operating in the DRC and demanded that they lay down their arms and withdraw from occupied territories, including Minova, Sake, and Goma. The Council also reiterated its call for the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, while condemning any foreign military support provided to these groups.
The African Union has been actively involved in facilitating dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda, with Angola’s President João Manuel Lourenço playing a key role as the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation. The PSC commended his efforts and urged both countries to continue working together towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Council also expressed condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the violence, including members of the Congolese Armed Forces [FARDC], the Southern African Development Community [SADC] Mission, and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC [MONUSCO]. The AU praised the efforts of these peacekeepers but stressed the need for enhanced coordination within the framework of the Quadripartite Mechanism, which includes the East African Community [EAC], SADC, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region [ICGLR], and the Economic Community of Central African States [ECCAS].
Humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC have worsened, with many civilians in dire need of food, medical supplies, and shelter. The PSC called for immediate, unimpeded, and safe access for humanitarian organisations, urging the international community, particularly UN agencies, to increase their support to the affected populations, especially women, children, and people with disabilities.
The AU also condemned attacks on diplomatic and consular missions in the DRC, describing them as a violation of international diplomatic norms and calling on the DRC authorities to take immediate action to protect these missions and hold those responsible to account.
As part of its ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis, the AU has mandated a fact-finding mission to investigate the situation in eastern DRC. The PSC also proposed that the issue be raised at the upcoming AU Assembly in February 2025, where it could be discussed at the level of Heads of State and Government.
The African Union reiterated its commitment to working with the people and government of the DRC to find a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis, while emphasising the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and addressing the root causes of the conflict, including economic empowerment for the region’s youth and women.
The conflict in the DRC has affected the activities of different individuals, communities, and cooperatives.
On August 5, 2024, just days after M23 rebels moved into areas around the cities of Minova and Goma in Eastern DRC, Muungano Cooperative leaders told trade partners that four of the cooperative’s 16 regional sectors had been impacted by the M23 insurgence, with some farmers abandoning their homes and farms with ripe cherry on the trees.
A consortium of coffee organisations who have worked with the cooperative in recent years, including U.S.-based Atlas Coffee Importers and members of Cooperative Coffees, were at the hoping to raise US$ 10,000 for immediate relief to Muungano Cooperative members who have been internally displaced. At the time, getting goods in and out of Minova and Goma had become more challenging, especially as farmers prepared for the September rainy season.
More on the communique found here; COMMUNIQUE
https://thecooperator.news/drc-cooperative-affected-by-conflict-in-need-of-support/
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