By: Sintayehu Tamirat
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said "There is no military solution" to the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Addressing at the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres warned of regional spillover of the war in DRC, stating the Congolese people have been suffering again "from a brutal cycle of violence."
"The fighting that is raging in South Kivu – as a result of the continuation of the M23 offensive -- threatens to push the entire region over the precipice. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congolese people have been suffering – yet again – from a brutal cycle of violence.
And the fighting that is raging in South Kivu – as a result of the continuation of the M23 offensive -- threatens to push the entire region over the precipice. Regional escalation must be avoided at all costs," he said.
Guterres also called for immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, urging the international community “to stop the flow of weapons and the bankrolling of bloodshed."
"Sudan is being torn apart before our eyes -- and is now home to the world’s largest displacement crisis and famine. The strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations can provide an anchor for a broad multilateral coalition to end the war in Sudan," he emphasized.
Addressing a high-level conference held Friday on Sudan, the UN Secretary General further called on the international community to urgently act in support of Sudan, where the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.
Guterres emphasized the need for “tremendous leverage for good” and humanitarian aid to help the Sudanese people, who are enduring staggering violence and displacement.
He highlighted the bravery of local responders and women-led organizations providing aid in dangerous conditions, and stressed the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered access to those in need.
Guterres also called for an end to the flow of weapons fueling the conflict and urged for peace during the upcoming Ramadan.
Next week, the UN will launch a 6 billion humanitarian plan to assist millions of Sudanese people and refugees in neighboring countries.
Speaking on justice for Africa, Guterres said Africa also needs justice when it comes to the continent's abundant critical minerals.
"Too often, your countries are plundered – bound to the bottom of value chains – as others grow rich on your resources."
He stressed "Africa’s minerals must benefit Africa’s people."
The global organization he leads has some room to help Africa tap its resources for its people. "The work of the United Nations Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is designed to help embed justice, sustainability and human rights across the value chain."