UK Welcomes DRC-Rwanda Peace Deal, Urges Swift Implementation and Addresses Concerns

The United Kingdom has publicly commended the recent efforts by the African Union, United States, and Qatar in brokering a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

Following the signing of a peace agreement by the foreign ministers of both nations in Washington today, the UK expressed its strong support for this significant step towards a durable peace in the Great Lakes region.

A UK representative highlighted the importance of swift implementation, stating, "Focus will now rightly turn its swift implementation. And the UK stands ready to support this process."

However, alongside this welcome, the United Kingdom also voiced deep concerns regarding ongoing challenges in eastern DR Congo.

The M23 rebel group's continued obstruction of MONUSCO's ability to deliver its mandate remains a significant worry.

Despite the recent release of MONUSCO fuel trucks by the M23, the UK emphasized that all restrictions affecting the peacekeeping mission's operations should be lifted immediately, in line with unanimously adopted UN Security Council Resolution 2773.

The humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC also remains a grave concern for the United Kingdom. Alarm was raised over reports of summary executions and pervasive sexual violence, with UNICEF statistics indicating that a child is reportedly raped every half hour in the region.

To address this, the UK's Foreign Secretary announced an uplift of over $18 million in humanitarian support during a recent visit to Kinshasa.

The UK urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly concerning the protection of civilians and humanitarian access.

Concluding the statement, the UK reiterated the urgent need for diplomacy to deliver a long-term solution to the conflicts in the Great Lakes region.

Rwanda and DR Congo were urged to engage in good faith on the implementation of the new peace agreement to bring about a more secure and prosperous future, one that the region has long strived for with MONUSCO's support, and one that the people of DR Congo profoundly deserve.