Press Statement
Statement by the President of the UN General Assembly on the escalating violence in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo
I am very concerned by the escalating violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following fresh attacks on government forces, civilians and United Nations peacekeepers by the M23 armed group.
I strongly condemn the killing of United Nations peacekeepers and extend my condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers as well as to their Governments and to the families of all those who have lost their lives in this ongoing conflict. I stress that all parties to the conflict have the obligation to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers.
These recent attacks will only further deteriorate the already grave security and humanitarian situation in and around the city of Goma. Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been displaced in the North and South Kivu provinces near the border with Rwanda.
I call on the parties to the conflict, especially the M23 armed group, to immediately cease fire and recommit to the significant peace efforts undertaken within the Luanda process. I appeal to Member States and the UN Security Council to find urgent solutions to achieve lasting peace in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and protect the lives of civilians.
The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo must be respected by all Member States.
New York, 26 January 2025
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Media Contacts
Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: + 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org
Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations M: +1 917 3614990, mariam.shaikh@un.org
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