Crisis in DR Congo: Pax Christi issues urgent call to UN

Source: Pax Christi International

The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a test of global responsibility and cannot remain an overlooked tragedy, Pax Christi International has said in a statement to the United Nations today. Refugees in overcrowded camps, families torn apart by violence, and the collapse of basic services demand urgent attention. Pax Christi International stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and calls on the UN to prioritise peace, justice, and the dignity of those affected.

It is a moral imperative for the international community to act decisively. Peace is possible, but it requires urgent and collective action.

Read the full statement:

Pax Christi International's Urgent Call to the UN:

Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis and Confronting Global Indifference for Peace in the DRC

Brussels, January 29th, 2025

The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a test of global responsibility and cannot remain an overlooked tragedy. Refugees in overcrowded camps, families torn apart by violence, and the collapse of basic services demand urgent attention. Pax Christi International stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and calls on the United Nations to prioritise peace, justice, and the dignity of those affected.

It is a moral imperative for the international community to act decisively. Peace is possible, but it requires urgent and collective action.

The resurgence of violence, driven by the M23 rebels and reportedly supported by the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF), is a blatant breach of ceasefire agreements and a direct challenge to African-led peace efforts.

The humanitarian situation is worsening at an alarming rate, particularly in and around Goma. The recent capture of Minova (January 21st) and Sake (January 23rd) by M23 rebels has displaced over 800,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) into overcrowded and under-resourced camps. The destruction of water distribution infrastructure, the cutting of electricity, and the closure of schools have left vulnerable populations, especially women and children, at heightened risk of hunger, disease, and violence.

Pax Christi International appeals to the United Nations and its member states to take immediate, decisive action to address this escalating crisis by working on:

1. Immediate Cessation of Hostilities

• The M23 must halt its advance and withdraw from recently captured areas, including Minova and Sake.

• Rwanda must end its support for the M23 and withdraw any military forces from Congolese territory, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

• Rwanda must immediately stop sending troops every day; according to the information by the media and by our partners, since January 24th Rwandese government attacked the town of Goma and has moved and set up its military headquarters in the town of Rubavu-Gisenyi, on the border with Goma/DRC, to closely coordinate the attack operations.

• The DRC government must cease any collaboration with armed groups like the FDLR, to create an environment conducive to lasting peace.

2. Protection of Civilians and Human Rights

• All parties involved in the conflict must prioritise the protection of civilians and ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.

• Violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must be fully investigated, and perpetrators must be held accountable.

• Those responsible for destabilising the DRC must be held accountable through targeted sanctions and other mechanisms available to the UN Security Council.

3. Support for African-Led Peace Processes

• Pax Christi International reaffirms its support for the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes and calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations under their frameworks.

• The United Nations must provide robust political and logistical backing to ensure that all parties honour their commitments, including adherence to the 30 July 2024 ceasefire agreement and the disarmament of armed groups.

The victims are becoming more and more numerous by the day, and the Congolese people can no longer wait… Enough is enough!

Pax Christi International calls on the United Nations to demonstrate leadership and act decisively to end this crisis. Only through immediate, coordinated action can peace be restored and the dignity of those suffering be upheld.

The time for action is now!