Pakistan Demands Urgent Action as Violence Escalates in Eastern Congo

New York, Sept 30, 2025 — Pakistan has called for strengthening, not weakening, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), stressing that peace in the region cannot be achieved if the mission’s capacity continues to erode amid rising violence.

Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on MONUSCO, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Iqbal Jadoon, condemned the mass killing of more than 300 civilians by M23 rebels in Rutshuru in July, demanding accountability for the perpetrators and their sponsors.

“The situation in eastern DRC remains deeply troubling. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence,” Ambassador Jadoon told the Council, while welcoming recent peace efforts including the Washington Peace Agreement between DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the United States, and the Doha Declaration of Principles between DRC and M23, facilitated by Qatar. He emphasized that agreements on paper must be implemented in good faith.

Calling for an end to external interference, the Ambassador urged all armed groups particularly M23 and FDLR to cease hostilities, withdraw from occupied areas, dismantle parallel structures, and engage in credible Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes.

Ambassador Jadoon voiced concern over the weakening of MONUSCO’s capacity, pointing out that despite its authorized strength of 11,500 troops, fewer than 9,900 remain, with further reductions expected due to budget cuts. “This consistent weakening of MONUSCO is not sustainable, and undermines peace and security in the DRC. We must strengthen MONUSCO, not weaken it,” he said, echoing the Secretary-General’s call for timely payment of assessed contributions.

The envoy also highlighted operational challenges faced by MONUSCO, including restrictions on movement by AFC/M23, closure of Goma and Kavumu airports, denial of flight clearances, and disruptions to essential services. He urged immediate reopening of airports in eastern DRC, guarantees of freedom of movement, and facilitation of overdue troop rotations and medical evacuations.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to peace in the Congo, Ambassador Jadoon outlined five priorities for peace:

• Implementation of Security Council resolution 2773;
• Lifting of restrictions and strengthening MONUSCO;
• Silencing of guns and cessation of hostilities;
• Restoration of humanitarian access;
• Dismantling of the war economy fueling violence.

“If we fail to act, the window for a political settlement will close under the weight of rising civilian suffering and shrinking UN capacity to respond,” Ambassador Jadoon warned.