Francophone Ambassadors Urge Ceasefire and Dialogue Amid Deteriorating Security in DRC
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, International Francophonie Day, members of the group of Francophone ambassadors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) expressed deep concern over the escalating security crisis in the country’s east.
This deterioration is primarily attributed to the offensive launched by the March 23 Movement (M23), with support from the Rwandan Defense Force.
In a statement released on this occasion, the ambassadors called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to address deeper issues, such as the illegal exploitation and export of natural resources, particularly to neighboring countries, through regional traceability mechanisms.
“We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of the M23 from all areas it occupies illegally, and the dismantling of the illegitimate parallel administrations it has established,” said Swiss Ambassador to the DRC, Chasper Sarott, as he read the statement.
The ambassadors also called for the immediate cessation of support for armed groups by foreign forces. “We urge the defense forces of all third-party nations to stop supporting these rebel groups and withdraw unconditionally from Congolese territory,” the statement continued.
In addition, the diplomats demanded an end to attacks on civilians, humanitarian workers, and United Nations personnel, stressing the need to protect those on the ground who are working to assist the affected population.
The group voiced their support for the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and Angola.
They reiterated the importance of the Luanda and Nairobi processes and called for an urgent ceasefire to enable meaningful talks between the DRC and Rwanda over Rwanda’s support for M23.
“We encourage both countries to resume dialogue to reach a lasting and peaceful resolution to a conflict that has caused immense suffering to the Congolese people and poses significant risks to the stability of the entire Great Lakes region,” the ambassadors declared.
The statement also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, particularly the illegal exploitation and exportation of natural resources, through improved traceability mechanisms at the regional level.
The ambassadors reaffirmed their solidarity with the Congolese people, recognizing them as the primary victims of the ongoing conflict. “We are united not only by our attachment to the French language but also by the strong bond we share with the DRC, the most populous French-speaking country in the world, with vast cultural, geostrategic, and economic potential,” they affirmed.
Despite the current violation of DRC’s sovereignty by Rwanda, the ambassadors emphasized their unwavering commitment to the independence and territorial integrity of the DRC and all French-speaking nations. They reaffirmed the critical importance of respecting these principles.
