CPRA CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO ADDRESS ESCALATING CONFLICT IN EASTERN DRC

The Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy (CPRA) is deeply alarmed by the escalation of the violent situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

CPRA executive director Cliffton Chifuwe said the escalation of violence in the region, particularly in North Kivu Province, demands urgent and coordinated action from regional bodies and the broader international community.

He said this also calls for a coordinated regional response such as the AU, EAC, and SADC to lead efforts to engage all stakeholders in dialogue and pressure external actors accused of fuelling the conflict to cease their interference.

He said there was a need for urgent facilitation of diplomatic talks between Presidents Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, saying a direct dialogue between the two leaders was essential to de-escalating tensions and preventing the conflict from escalating into a full-blown regional war.

Mr Chifuwe said strengthened international intervention of the international community, including the United Nations, must re-evaluate its approach to the DRC and provide the necessary resources to enhance peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian aid.

“All actors implicated in the violence and those supporting armed groups must face accountability through international legal mechanisms,” he said.

CPRA urged all parties to prioritize peace and the well-being of the people of eastern DRC.

 “It is time for a collective and sustained effort to bring an end to the cycles of violence and restore stability to this long-suffering region,” said Mr Chifuwe.