The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity were officially signed the day before in Washington DC, facilitated by the United States.
“An important step”
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised US President Donald Trump for his efforts and congratulated Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda for what he called an “important milestone.”
“These agreements represent a crucial step towards restoring trust between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda and advancing efforts towards lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,” the UN chief said in a statement released by his spokesperson.
He also welcomed the progress made in the processes led by Doha and the African Union (AU) and urged all parties “to honor the commitments they have made, including respect for a permanent ceasefire”, as requested by the African Union. Security Council In resolution 2773 (2025).
UN ready to provide support
The Secretary-General reaffirmed that the United Nations – including its peacekeeping mission MONUSCO – is ready to continue supporting all efforts towards lasting peace and regional stability.
Relations between the two neighbors have long been strained by conflict in the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where armed groups operate amid deep-rooted regional rivalries.
Earlier this year, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels launched new attacks in eastern DRC, occupant the region’s largest cities, fueling displacement and regional tensions before diplomacy regains momentum.
Hostilities continue
Yet even as leaders signed the deal abroad, violence erupted on the ground, leading to more deaths, injuries and displacement of civilians.
Since Tuesday, intense fighting – including the use of heavy weapons and bombings – has been reported in several villages in the territories of Uvira, Walungu, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said.
“These attacks damaged critical infrastructure and homes,” he told reporters in New York.
Local health authorities in Walungu said at least 13 civilians had been admitted to hospital. However, evacuations are currently impossible due to ongoing fighting and roadblocks, preventing an unknown number of injured people from reaching medical facilities.
Protect civilians
“We once again reiterate our urgent call on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to protect all civilians and civilian infrastructure,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.
“Humanitarian access must be granted to allow life-saving aid to reach those in need,” he added.
At the end of October, South Kivu hosted some 1.2 million displaced people. Between January and September this year, UN agencies and partners provided food, shelter, protection and health services to 1.5 million people across the province.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
