In a statement Released on July 19, Monusco declared that the declaration of principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the determination of the parties to prioritize peaceful means, to establish a cease-fire and to set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.”
“This important declaration marks a change towards the relaxation of tensions and the protection of civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” said Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, special deputy representative of the UN Secretary General in the chief of the DRC and at the head of Monusco. “We congratulate the commitments made and call their implementation in a timely and good faith.”
These commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe and worthy return of people and refugees displaced internally to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, considered vital to combat the deep causes of the conflict and achieve lasting peace.
Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in the provinces of northern and southern Kivu, capturing cities and villages, including the provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians have been killed, hundreds of thousands of others have been moved and serious human rights violations have been committed.
The declaration of principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement Signed by the Congo and Rwanda, long -accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23.
The declaration of the mission underlined the emphasis made by the declaration on civil protection and support for the ceasefire, with the help of Monusco and other partners, and reaffirmed its desire to support the cessation of hostilities, in particular thanks to the creation of a credible and convenient verification mechanism.
Monusco’s declaration concluded by exhorting all the parties to honor their commitments, to act in good faith throughout the process and to prioritize human rights, security and aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
