\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are discrepancies between the progress we see on paper and the reality we observe on the ground which continues to be marred with violence<\/strong>,\u201d said Bintou Keita, presenting the Secretary-General\u2019s latest report.<\/p>\n She highlighted progress since the signing of the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda on 27 June, including the signing of a declaration of principle between the Congolese Government and the AFC\/M23 rebel group in Doha the following month.<\/p>\n The DRC has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 and the developments came in the wake of a deadly offensive in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, launched late last year, with the rebels capturing key cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, peace has been slow to be felt on the ground<\/strong>,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since June, MONUSCO has recorded some 1,087 civilians killed during violence in Ituri and North Kivu, \u201cand this toll is growing day by day.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms. Keita recalled that in February, the Council \u201csent a clear message to all parties\u201d by adopting resolution 2773 (2025), which called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.<\/p>\n \u201cEight months later, the key provisions of resolution 2773 remain largely unimplemented. Despite the Council\u2019s\u202frequests, the AFC\/M23 have continued to pursue a logic of territorial expansion and consolidation,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since taking Goma, they \u201chave replaced formal institutions with alternative structures\u201d and trained more than 7,000 new recruits.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMONUSCO has received numerous requests for personal protection in AFC\/M23-controlled territories. In Rutshuru territory, July was the deadliest month since the group\u2019s resurgence end of November 2021,\u201d she added.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n \u202f\u201cThis underscores the persisting gap between the decisions of this Council and the realities on the ground<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n Displaced families in the Bulengo camp on the outskirts of Goma face a dire and uncertain future as M23 authorities instruct them to dismantle their makeshift shelters. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n But \u201cviolence is not the domain of a single armed group\u201d as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have continued attacks in North Kivu and Ituri, linked to the ISIL Islamist-linked terrorist group in the region. It has executed some 300 civilians over the past three months.\u00a0<\/p>\n Meanwhile, clashes between the Convention for Popular Revolution (CRP) militia and the Congolese army, the FARDC, have added to the toll. Attacks by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) also continue.<\/p>\n She also addressed the situation in South Kivu province even though it is no longer covered by MONUSCO\u2019s operational mandate, where serious abuses and violations are being committed by the Wazalendo and allied armed groups.<\/p>\n Ms. Keita said the challenging environment restricts MONUSCO\u2019s ability to carry out its mandate, particularly in Goma and other areas under AFC\/M23 control.<\/p>\n \u201cFuel and food supplies are delayed. Many troop rotations are still blocked<\/strong>. Exhausted contingents remain in place for several months. Electricity and water cuts cripple bases and life-support systems. Goma airport is still closed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Humanitarians also face obstacles such as roadblocks, shrinking access, and attacks, thus affecting aid delivery.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite this complex setting, MONUSCO continues to protect civilians where possible<\/strong>,\u201d and its bases \u201cshelter communities under imminent threat,\u201d she said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n On 16 September, at least 600 women, men girls and boys took shelter in trenches at the base in Drodro, Ituri province, during clashes between CODECO and the Zaire group.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond these immediate responses, MONUSCO\u2019s broader presence also provides communities a greater sense of safety,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Ms. Keita reported that the humanitarian response plan for the DRC is just over 15 per cent funded to date, compared to 41 per cent at the same time last year.<\/p>\nMounting civilian deaths<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Resolution \u2018largely unimplemented\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Other groups remain active<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Mission faces restrictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Protecting civilians, promoting safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Millions going hungry<\/strong><\/h2>\n