Eastern DRC: Algeria Calls for “Restraint” and “De-escalation”
GENEVA, February 7, 2025 – Algeria has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is calling for “restraint” and “de-escalation” to facilitate the resumption of dialogue. This statement was made by Rachid Bladehane, the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations Office in Geneva, on Friday.
During an extraordinary session of the Human Rights Council concerning the DRC, convened at the request of the country, Bladehane articulated Algeria’s profound distress regarding the renewed conflict in Eastern DRC, which has resulted in systemic violence, particularly affecting civilians, women, and children. He noted the widespread violations of human rights and humanitarian law, describing the extreme vulnerability experienced by millions of Congolese as “alarming.”
“Algeria emphasizes the crucial need to ensure access to humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations. We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law: the lives of civilians and humanitarian personnel must be safeguarded, aid delivery should occur without obstruction, and humanitarian corridors must be respected,” he stated.
Algeria “strongly calls for restraint and de-escalation with the aim of resuming dialogue that seeks a political solution capable of alleviating the suffering of the Congolese people, ensuring respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, and establishing lasting peace in the region,” the diplomat added.
In this context, he highlighted Algeria’s full endorsement of the conclusions reached during the extraordinary summits of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), expressing particular satisfaction with the ongoing joint SADC-EAC summit in Dar Es Salaam.
Moreover, Bladehane reaffirmed Algeria’s unwavering support for ongoing regional processes and urged all parties to honor their commitments. Despite significant challenges, he extended encouragement and support to Kenya and Angola in their mediation efforts.
Algeria “expresses its readiness to assist in these ongoing regional mediation efforts and to work towards restoring peace and stability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region,” he concluded.
