The United Kingdom has expressed deep regret over the continued territorial advances of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the unanimous adoption of UN Resolution 2773 last month. The resolution, which carried urgent message for the withdrawal of armed groups from Congolese territory.
In a statement issued on March 27, 2025, the UK strongly condemned the capture of Walikale and reiterated its demand for the RDF to withdraw from sovereign Congolese land. The UK also urged regional actors to cease supporting armed groups and condemned M23’s continued restrictions on MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The UK welcomed ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, including initiatives led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as the creation of a Panel of Facilitators. The UK also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of His Highness the Amir of Qatar in facilitating talks between President Félix Tshisekedi of DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Despite these initiatives, the UK regretted that an immediate and unconditional ceasefire has not yet been achieved.
The UK also praised the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço in securing significant agreements aimed at sustainable peace, including the Luanda process. This initiative made key advancements, such as a harmonised plan to neutralise the FDLR and disengage the RDF from the DRC.
Additionally, the DRC government recently agreed to direct talks with M23, although the UK expressed disappointment that M23 refused to participate.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis, the UK and USA voiced concern over the dire conditions in eastern DRC. It supported calls from both EAC and SADC to reopen Goma airport and humanitarian supply routes, while urging all parties to protect civilians, including from sexual and gender-based violence.
The UK called for an immediate end to child abductions and recruitment. To address the crisis, the UK has committed over $18 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable communities.
The United States has also issued a stern warning, urging all parties involved to cease hostilities immediately and uphold their commitments to peace.
The US expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on regional stability, emphasizing that continued conflict will have serious diplomatic and economic consequences.
The UN and World Food Program have warned that the dire escalating conditions on the ground, have led to food shortages, lack of shelter, and health emergencies.
