First, the United Kingdom commends the leadership and mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, and the African Union towards delivering a durable peace in eastern DRC.
We call on the parties to fully engage in these mediation processes and to ensure that, critically, progress in negotiations is reflected in improvements in security on the ground.
In the same vein, it is essential that Security Council resolution 2773 is fully implemented, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and the ending of Rwandan Defence Forces’ support to M23, and their withdrawal from DRC territory.
Second, the United Kingdom welcomes and supports the Secretary-General’s proposal for a phased, scalable, and conditions-based approach for MONUSCO’s support to ceasefire monitoring, as authorised by Security Council resolution 2808.
The United Kingdom urges the parties to de-escalate, to implement their commitments under the respective ceasefire agreements, and to take steps to ensure that the conditions outlined by the Secretary-General for ceasefire monitoring are met.
The United Kingdom calls on all parties to fully support MONUSCO’s operations and to create the conditions for a lasting peace.
The responsibility for implementing the ceasefire ultimately rests with the parties.
Finally, the United Kingdom expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian and protection crisis in eastern DRC, including widespread conflict-related sexual violence.
We condemn increasing drone strikes on civilians, including humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure, and pass our condolences to the victims of the 11 March drone attack.
We urge all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access in line with international law.
We also call on the parties to enable the full reopening of Goma airport to enable humanitarian flights.
