Remarks on the Great Lakes Region by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,  

I thank Special Envoy Xia Huang, Executive Director Catherine Russell, and Chairperson Téte António for their briefings. We welcome Her Excellency Ms. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC, and Permanent Representatives of Rwanda and Kenya at today's meeting. 

Recently, amid the ongoing offensive by the M23, conflict in the eastern DRC has escalated, plunging the entire Great Lakes region into instability. This surge in violence has raised widespread concerns about the potential for broader conflicts threatening to undo more than a decade of efforts aimed at fostering stability and prosperity in the region. The international community must act swiftly and collaboratively to reverse these alarming trends before then deepen further. I wish to make three points.  

First, an immediate ceasefire must be secured to prevent further escalation of conflict. As long as fighting persists in the eastern DRC, lasting peace in the Great Lakes region will remain elusive. Last February, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773, calling on all parties to immediately achieve a ceasefire. Regional leaders from the AU, EAC, and SADC echoed this call. China strongly urges the M23 to comply with the ceasefire requirements set forth by the Council and regional organizations and to immediately stop all military expansion and unconditionally withdraw from all occupied areas. China calls on all relevant countries to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their neighbors in line with the principles of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and all forms of support for arms groups operating in the DRC must stop. We hoped all countries in the region will refrain from actions that could heighten tensions and will work together towards building mutual trust and deescalation of the situation. 

Second, it is essential to support regional processes and pursue a political solution. There is no military solution to the conflict in the eastern DRC. Political negotiation remains the only way out. Recently, leaders from the EAC and SADC have convened two joint summits outlining a roadmap for resolving the crisis and establishing Panel of Facilitators to guide the process. Qatar has facilitated a trilateral meeting between the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda in Doha. And there have been direct contacts between the DRC Government and the M23. All these are encouraging and positive developments. China hopes that Rwanda and the DRC will sincerely respond to the mediation efforts by regional and international partners, resolve each other's security concerns through dialogue, and reach a lasting peace plan at an early date. The international community should continue to support African solutions to African problems, and call on the AU, EAC, SADC, and partners outside the region to strengthen mutual coordination. China appreciates SESG Xia Huang's active shuttle diplomacy and encourages him to strengthen support for regional peace efforts. 

Third, it is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of conflict and instability. The recurring outbreaks of violence in the Great Lakes region over the past decades show that the underlying issues remain unresolved. The international community must adopt comprehensive measures to support the countries in the Great Lakes region in systematically addressing the root causes of security deficits, governance deficiencies, and unbalanced development. We should support countries in the region in strengthening the governance of natural resources and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, so that these resources become a true driver of peace and development. The Addis Ababa Framework Agreement remains the most comprehensive mechanism for addressing the root causes of conflicts in the region. Given the current situation, revitalizing this crucial instrument has become all the more necessary and urgent. China calls on all signatories to reaffirm their commitments to the Agreement and inject new momentum into regional peace. 

President,  

China and Africa have always been good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, China actively works with countries in the Great Lakes region to support their efforts in maintaining peace and stability, fostering independent and resilient development, and steadily advancing towards modernization. China will continue to deepen comprehensive cooperation with countries in the region, and contribute to the long-term peace, development, and prosperity of the Great Lakes region. 

I thank you, President.