The international community should bolster support for countries in Africa’s Great Lakes region to enhance solidarity and cooperation towards a shared future, urged Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, on Tuesday.
Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the Great Lakes region, Fu highlighted the region’s recent strides in pursuing peace, security, and development. “These efforts have injected new vitality into the revitalization of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region,” he said.
However, Fu noted that the region continues to face significant challenges, including ongoing violent conflicts and a severe humanitarian crisis. He called on regional countries to strengthen dialogue and reconciliation, remain committed to peaceful coexistence, collaboratively address challenges, uphold common security, alleviate humanitarian hardships, and promote shared development.
“The countries in the Great Lakes region live side by side with common interests and a shared future,” Fu emphasized. “Resolving differences through dialogue and consultation and promoting good neighborliness serve the long-term and fundamental interests of all regional countries.”
Expressing China’s support, Fu stated, “China reaffirms its support for the efforts of the DRC to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, and stands ready to continue its positive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.”
Fu commended the joint efforts of regional countries in combating armed groups and enhancing border and defense cooperation. He acknowledged the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for its active role in protecting civilians.
He urged all armed groups in the region to adhere to the ceasefire agreements, cease hostilities, and maintain de-escalation momentum. “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 asserted.
Highlighting the humanitarian issues, Fu pointed out that the DRC and Sudan have witnessed large numbers of displaced persons due to prolonged conflicts, the spread of the mpox epidemic, and severe food shortages. He called on the international community, especially developed countries, to fulfill their aid commitments and close the humanitarian emergency funding gap to help more refugees return home.
Fu also emphasized the importance of supporting regional countries in the legitimate exploitation of natural resources to improve livelihoods and enhancing technology transfer to boost independent development capabilities. “This is essential to eliminate the breeding ground for recurrent conflicts,” he said.
“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 lasting peace, development, and prosperity in the Great Lakes region,” Fu concluded.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
