China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has urged the international community to bolster support for countries in Africa’s Great Lakes region, emphasizing the need for strengthened solidarity and cooperation to build a common future.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on Tuesday, Fu highlighted the progress made by Great Lakes countries in pursuing peace, security, and development, which has revitalized the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the region.
“At the same time, the region still faces multiple challenges, such as continuing violent conflicts and a prominent humanitarian crisis,” Fu noted.
He called on regional nations to enhance dialogue and reconciliation, commit to peaceful coexistence, collaboratively address challenges, and maintain common security. Fu stressed the importance of alleviating the humanitarian crisis and promoting shared development.
“The countries in the Great Lakes region live side by side with common interests and a shared future,” Fu said. “Resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and promoting good neighborliness serve the long-term and fundamental interests of all regional countries.”
Reaffirming China’s support for the DRC’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, Fu expressed China’s readiness to continue playing a positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Fu commended the joint efforts by countries in the region to combat armed groups and strengthen border and defense cooperation, as well as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for actively protecting civilians.
He urged all armed groups in the region to embrace the spirit of the ceasefire agreement, cease hostilities, and maintain the momentum of de-escalation. “All parties concerned should honor their commitments under the frameworks of the Luanda process and the Nairobi process, and refrain from providing support to any armed group,” he emphasized.
Addressing the humanitarian situation, Fu noted the large concentration of displaced persons in the DRC and Sudan due to prolonged conflicts, the spread of the mpox epidemic, and significant food shortages. He called on the international community, particularly developed countries, to fulfill their aid commitments and close the humanitarian emergency funding gap to help refugees return home.
Fu also encouraged international support for regional countries in the legitimate exploitation of natural resources, improvement of living standards, and enhancement of independent development capacities through increased technology transfer and application. These efforts, he suggested, would help eliminate the root causes of recurrent conflicts.
“As a strong supporter and companion of Africa on its road to modernization, China is ready to work with the international community to contribute more to the lasting peace, development, and prosperity in the Great Lakes region,” Fu concluded.
The Great Lakes region, encompassing countries such as the DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and others, has long faced challenges stemming from armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, and economic underdevelopment. International cooperation and support are deemed vital for the region’s stability and growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
