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Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Women unite their voices to call for peace in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
In Kinshasa, women from across the country are raising their voices to demand an end to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. Their plea took the form of a detailed advocacy note, officially submitted to Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. The document is the result of a collective effort by women's associations and human rights groups. Drafted after nine consultation sessions held between February and April 2025, with support from MONUSCO, UN Women, and other UN agencies, the note outlines the critical challenges facing women and communities in conflict zones and offers concrete, realistic proposals for restoring peace. " Children suffer with no future. Women are raped without justice. We just want life to be normal again. Let this note be heard, and acted upon." declared Julienne Lusenge, who presented the document. Well known for her work defending women's rights and fighting sexual violence, Ms. Lusenge continues to champion peace and equality through her organization Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral. She was accompanied by activists from Kinshasa, Goma, Bunia, Beni, and Bukavu, all united in their call for peace. A Strong Call to Action Minister Wagner expressed deep understanding and support for the initiative. "Armed conflict, forced displacement, and sexual violence as a weapon of war are serious violations of human dignity and major barriers to development. When women call for peace, their voices must be heard with respect and urgency," she said. She emphasized the importance of the note, describing it as ' a timely call to action, responsibility, and solidarity, national and international alike. The Ministry will continue to carry this message to regional, continental, and global platforms. ' UN Women and other institutional representatives also praised the initiative. Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mireille Laurier, Chief of MONUSCO's Gender Section, applauded the determination of Congolese women: " I salute the exceptional courage of these women who, despite adversity, continue their fight for a better future. Their strength deserves full recognition and support." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
In Ituri, authorities and armed groups seek to reinforce the 2023 peace accord
In Aru, a new round of peace talks is building on earlier efforts to bring stability to Ituri province. The dialogue, known as 'Aru 2', brings together authorities, armed groups, local leaders, and civil society to reinforce the process launched in 2023. That previous initiative, supported by MONUSCO, led to the signing of a peace protocol by several armed groups including CODECO, ZAIRE, FRPI, FPIC, TCHINI YA TUNA, and MAPI pledged to cease hostilities and work towards peace, security and cohesion in the province. Their commitment to end hostilities resulted in tangible gains: displaced families returned home, local markets reopened, and roads such as the Nizi-Mongbwalu route became passable again. This new round of discussions aims to safeguard and expand those gains . At Aru, the participants now intend to build on these achievements. For five days, they will review the commitments made in 2023. " Aru 1 was half a success. Not all commitments were met, but progress was made," says Firmin Kone Massagnou of MONUSCO's Civil Affairs section. Renewed Expectations Over the course of five days, participants are reviewing past commitments and negotiating a new ceasefire. " We must also restart socio-economic activities to support the lasting return of displaced communities." said Massagnou. Civil society representative Jean-Marie Ezadri urged local leaders to encourage fighters to disarm and join the national reintegration programme (PDDRC-S). Sarah Muderwa, from Synergie des jeunes filles de l'Ituri, said she hoped this renewed engagement would help stop sexual violence. Another priority is the return of traditional and administrative authorities to their communities, seen as essential for restoring local governance. At the launch of the talks, General Antoine David Mushimba, commander of the 32nd military region, appealed to armed youth to embrace peace. MONUSCO reiterated its commitment to supporting this process alongside national institutions, in line with its mandate to protect civilians. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
Russia Today
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Macron lukewarm on Putin peace talks offer
French President Emmanuel Macron has downplayed Russia's proposal to restart direct peace talks with Ukraine, saying it is 'a first step,' but not enough. He made the remarks to reporters on Sunday, while returning from a trip to Ukraine. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Kiev the opportunity to restart direct negotiations, which have been on hold since 2022, 'without any preconditions.' Putin stressed that Moscow is ready to start 'without delay,' and suggested meeting on May 15 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that his country is ready to host the talks, telling Macron in a phone call that this could be 'a historic turning point.' Macron, however, insisted that the process should start with a 'full and unconditional' 30-day ceasefire, referring to a proposal made by the leaders of Ukraine, the UK, and EU the day before, and which is reportedly supported by the US. 'It is a first step, but it is not enough… It's a way of not responding. We must not give up,' Macron stated, claiming that Putin's offer is a delaying tactic. 'It shows that he is looking for a way out, but he still wants to buy time.' Macron also claimed that 'an unconditional ceasefire is not preceded by negotiations, by definition.' 'We must stand firm with the Americans to say that the ceasefire is unconditional and then we can discuss the rest,' he said. US President Donald Trump has welcomed Putin's proposal, writing on Truth Social hours after the announcement that this is 'a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine,' with 'a BIG week upcoming!' Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said Putin's proposal is a 'positive sign' and that he is 'ready to meet' for talks. He insisted, however, that the first step should be a ceasefire, which he suggested should begin on May 12. Moscow previously warned that Ukraine could use a prolonged pause in the fighting without a formal agreement to regroup and rearm. In his address, Putin said Kiev has violated three ceasefires proposed by Moscow: A 30-day US-brokered halt on strikes against energy infrastructure that expired last month, an unconditional Easter truce, and a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire. Istanbul hosted the last direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in 2022, shortly after the escalation of the conflict. Moscow said that while the sides were making progress at the time and had worked out a preliminary peace treaty, the process was derailed by Kiev's Western backers. The agreement eventually fell through, and Zelensky later issued a decree banning peace talks with Putin.
