First, the UK regrets that despite the clear and urgent message that this Council sent last month, with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773, M23 and the Rwandan Defence Forces have continued their territorial advance.
We strongly condemn the capture of Walikale.
And we reiterate that the Rwandan Defence Forces must withdraw from sovereign Congolese territory, and all regional actors must cease support for armed groups.
In addition, the UK condemns M23’s continued restrictions on MONUSCO which have prevented the Mission being able to deliver key tasks mandated by this Council.
Second, the UK welcomes efforts to deliver a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
This includes the joint work of EAC and SADC and its creation of a Panel of Facilitators.
The UK also recognises the efforts of His Highness the Amir of Qatar to convene President Tshisekedi and President Kagame for discussions in support of regional processes.
We regret that despite the commitments made, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire has not yet materialised.
In addition, the UK is grateful to Angola and President Lourenco for his exemplary leadership in securing significant agreements for a sustainable peace.
The Luanda process made important steps forward, including agreement on a harmonised plan for neutralising the FDLR, disengaging the Rwandan Defence Forces from DRC and, most recently, agreement by the DRC government to direct talks with M23.
We deeply regret that M23 were not willing to participate in these talks.
Third, as we’ve heard from our breifers, the humanitarian situation in DRC remains dire.
The UK supports the joint calls by EAC and SADC for the reopening of Goma airport and humanitarian supply routes.
We call on all parties to protect civilians, including from sexual and gender-based violence, and immediately end and prevent the abduction and recruitment and the use of children.
The UK has committed over 18 million dollars of humanitarian support to those in need in eastern DRC.
Finally, President, the conflict in eastern DRC is undermining security across the region.
We urge the parties to engage now in the regionally led peace processes to bring it to a sustainable end.
