Publication:

Communiqué of the 1256th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 28 January 2025 on the Developments in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Council expressed grave concern over the offensive by M23 and its supporters, capturing Minova, Sake, and Goma, causing civilian and peacekeeper casualties, and worsening insecurity and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC. It also noted rising tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, urging peaceful resolution and commending facilitation efforts by President João Lourenço’s, President of the Republic of Angola, the Chair of ICGLR and AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation. The Council condemned M23, ADF, and FDLR attacks, demanded their disarmament, and opposed foreign military support to armed groups. It urged adherence to ceasefire agreements, resumed dialogue under the Luanda and Nairobi Processes, and stressed there is no military solution. Commendations were extended to FARDC, SAMIDRC, and MONUSCO troops, alongside condolences for lives lost. It emphasized the need for implementing the Quadripartite Summit outcomes, protecting civilians, and ensuring humanitarian access. The Council urged dialogue and reconciliation, condemned attacks on diplomatic missions, and highlighted addressing root causes of conflict. It mandated an AU fact-finding mission and proposed a PSC meeting at the Head of State and Government level during the AU Assembly in February 2025.