August 22, 2025 — Despite recent diplomatic breakthroughs, violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, threatening peace efforts and deepening humanitarian despair.
The UN Security Council was briefed on Friday about deteriorating conditions in North Kivu, where armed groups—including M23 rebels, the Congo River Alliance (AFC), and the ISIL-linked Allied Democratic Forces—have intensified attacks on civilians. Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee described the situation as “one of the most acute humanitarian emergencies in the world.”
While the United States recently brokered a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda, and Qatar facilitated a Declaration of Principles between the Congolese government and M23, these diplomatic strides have yet to translate into safety on the ground. Resolution 2773, adopted in February, urged all parties to halt violence against civilians—but the toll continues to rise.
Over 5.9 million Congolese are now internally displaced, with food insecurity worsening and humanitarian workers operating under constant threat. Conflict-related sexual violence and child recruitment remain rampant, often met with global indifference.
“This Council must not accept the extreme suffering that has become routine in eastern DRC,” said Pobee. She called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged international actors to reinforce peace efforts and uphold Resolution 2773.
The path to durable peace, she emphasized, depends on genuine engagement from all parties and sustained global support.