Cyril calls for ‘urgent attention’ to conflicts
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for ‘urgent attention’ to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Ramaphosa was addressing a meeting by heads of State on the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and Great Lakes Region in Burundi on Saturday.
Signed
“This year marks 10 years since the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region was signed on February 24, 2013,” said Ramaphosa.
“At the time, hopes were high that the signing of the Framework would usher in peace, security, stability and development for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region.
Goals
“Unfortunately, a decade later, these noble goals have not been achieved.”
He said the eastern DRC and the region remain ‘mired in conflict and violence, being driven by armed groups that it is well-established are both Congolese and foreign’.
He is worried by the resurgence of M23, an armed group previously thought to have been dismantled in 2013 and 2014.
“The current security situation in the eastern DRC requires our urgent attention. Over the past year, a humanitarian catastrophe unfolded before our eyes.”
He said more than 800 000 people have been displaced by the conflict.
“We cannot but be moved by their plight, and by the gross violations of human rights that are taking place. We cannot but be outraged at the scale of violence being perpetrated against women and girls, and by the blatant disregard of the provisions of international humanitarian law.”
He said a decade after the framework was signed is an opportune occasion to take stock of the successes, as well as the ongoing challenges.
“Actionable decisions need to be taken to address the shortcomings emanating from the Framework not being implemented. It is critical that all parties to the Framework demonstrate the highest political will, and reaffirm their commitment to its (successful) implementation.”
Ramaphosa pledged South Africa’s full support to efforts to revitalise the PSC framework to respond to the ‘current evolving challenges’.
Concern
Ramaphosa also expressed South Africa’s deep concern about the unfolding crisis in Sudan.
“We call upon the warring armed forces to put down their weapons for the sake of preserving human life, and to begin dialogue and negotiations without delay.
“We further call on the Sudanese authorities to swiftly work towards the restoration of civilian-led government, in line with the Political Framework Agreement signed in December last year.”