UNSC: A3+ Group Urges Immediate De-escalation of Tensions in DRC
The A3+ group within the UN Security Council has called for an “immediate de-escalation” of tensions in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the urgent need to protect civilians.
“We urge an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to calm in Goma. We call on the M23/AFC to halt their advances and all parties to exercise maximum restraint to ensure civilian protection,” stated Sierra Leone’s UN representative, Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, speaking on behalf of the A3+ during a Security Council session chaired by Algeria.
Pointing to the “unpredictable and unstable” situation in Goma and its surrounding areas, the A3+ group—comprising Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana—deemed it “imperative” that all efforts, whether undertaken by MONUSCO (the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC) or other entities, prioritize the safety of the population.
The A3+ emphasized that efforts to safeguard civilians must also facilitate humanitarian access and ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and personnel from Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
In this context, the group urged M23/AFC rebels to “refrain from obstructing humanitarian aid or closing humanitarian corridors,” highlighting the “crucial” need for uninterrupted assistance to reach the most vulnerable populations.
The group reaffirmed its support for a “political solution” to the conflict, commending diplomatic efforts from Africa aimed at “encouraging the DRC and Rwanda to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.”
“While these regional efforts are commendable, what is now required is a firm commitment from both Rwanda and the DRC to engage in direct negotiations within the framework of the Luanda process, in good faith,” they noted, cautioning against the risk of further escalation if the current impasse continues.
To achieve a sustainable solution that fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC while addressing Rwanda’s security concerns, the A3+ asserted that it is “essential for both countries to fully implement their commitments under the Luanda process.”
“The A3+ remains convinced that the Luanda process offers the best path to peace in the DRC,” they affirmed during this meeting dedicated to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking the second session within less than 72 hours.
According to this diplomat, the Congolese people deserve more than just a temporary cessation of the M23/AFC offensive.
Congolese citizens “require a comprehensive political process to silence the guns—one that will not only alleviate their suffering but also guarantee respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC,” he argued.
The group underscored the “imperative” for all actors, including the Security Council, to “act decisively” to address the dire situation in Goma and tackle the deep-seated structural causes of this conflict.
Furthermore, the group expressed its “deep concern” and “regret” regarding reported attacks on embassies in Kinshasa amid protests related to the M23/AFC rebel group’s offensive in eastern DRC.
“These acts against diplomatic missions and their personnel violate international law,” they reminded, strongly urging all parties to “abstain from any violence, respect diplomatic norms, and exercise restraint.”
