In a strong call for peace, a Chinese envoy has urged all parties to cease armed violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the urgent need to address ongoing conflicts affecting millions.
Geng emphasized the significance of the DRC's recent governmental transition, welcoming the inauguration of the new government. \"China welcomes this. We look forward to all parties in the country uniting as one and accelerating nation-building with the government's National Action Plan as the blueprint to achieve peace and stability,\" he stated.
The envoy shed light on the devastating impact of recent violence, noting that over 500 civilians have been killed and 7.3 million people forcibly displaced in just three months. He strongly condemned the attack on a Chinese company in the DRC on July 3, which resulted in the deaths and disappearances of Chinese citizens, calling for the immediate arrest and accountability of the perpetrators.
Commending the DRC government’s efforts, Geng highlighted the successful conclusion of ceasefire agreements with multiple armed groups and the completion of a pilot disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) project in North Kivu. He encouraged continued bilateral security cooperation with neighboring Uganda and Burundi.
Addressing the international community, Geng stressed the importance of respecting the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He called for constructive assistance to maintain security, stability, and improve humanitarian conditions, aiming for an early settlement of the eastern DRC issue.
Geng also touched upon regional tensions, urging neighboring countries to resolve differences through dialogue rather than military means. He praised Angola for facilitating meetings between the DRC and Rwanda, advocating for greater involvement of regional countries and organizations in advancing peace processes.
Concluding his remarks, Geng expressed hope for continued coordination among UN representatives to support peace talks and emphasized China's readiness to participate constructively in supporting regional forces and ensuring the safety of peacekeepers in the DRC.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
