We, the members of the MENA Coalition on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS), strongly condemn the escalation of violence and attacks on civilians in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Over the past three weeks, intensified violence, fueled by the offensive of the March 23 Movement (M23), reportedly backed by the Rwandan Armed Forces (RDF), has claimed dozens of lives and displaced over 400,000 civilians, including 120,000 children who are now living under dire conditions, according to humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies. Additionally, at least 13 UN peacekeepers were tragically killed in clashes with M23 rebels, as confirmed by UN officials.
We stand in solidarity with the young people and civilians affected by this unjustifiable violence, and we urgently call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for those in need.
We call upon the international community—particularly the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the United States—to exert diplomatic pressure and, when necessary, impose direct sanctions to ensure that all parties respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Finally, we align ourselves with the demands outlined in the Open Letter by the Members of the Congolese Coalition on Youth, Peace, and Security (CJPS RDC) to the UN Secretary-General, addressing the concerning security situation in Eastern DRC. We emphasize the need for urgent and coordinated action to protect the most vulnerable and ensure a sustainable pathway to peace.
Photo © UNHCR/Hélène Caux
