Eastern DR Congo peace accords: Pakistan pushes for early implementation

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged parties to the peace processes for the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to maintain momentum and fully implement their commitments to address the protracted conflict.

“We call on all parties to honour their commitments, fully implement (Security Council) resolution 2773, and create the conditions necessary for a credible, verifiable and lasting ceasefire,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council.

Speaking in a debate on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he said the continued territorial expansion and consolidation of control by M23 (rebel group), the increasing use of armed drones, and the worsening humanitarian situation underscore the need to translate political commitments into tangible improvements into improved security and stability.

The DRC’s mineral-rich eastern part has seen several years of offensive by the M23 rebel group, with support from Rwandan forces.

In February 2025, the Council called on that group to immediately cease hostilities and also called on the Rwanda Defence Force to cease their support. A year ago, a peace agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.

Other diplomatic initiatives include the Doha framework, as well as African Union mediation efforts. In December 2025, the Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for a year so that it can support the implementation of the country’s permanent ceasefire with Rwanda.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon said Pakistan supports “a pragmatic and phased approach” towards MONUSCO’s future role in supporting ceasefire arrangements.

The Mission “remains the only impartial international presence with the institutional experience, logistical reach and operational capabilities required to support stabilization efforts and the protection of civilians”, he pointed out.

Once conditions permit, the Pakistan envoy added, the Mission can play a constructive role in supporting monitoring and verification arrangements.