Congo-Kinshasa: Namibia Calls for End to DRC Conflict

30 January 2025

Namibia, through its Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, has called for an end to violence in eastern DRC, urging the silencing of guns, citing concerns over the conflict's potential to spread to neighbouring countries, as the March 23 (M23) group remains at the heart of the crisis.

Executive director of the ministry, Penda Naanda, in a statement issued Monday said Namibia is alarmed that if a solution is not found soon, there is potential for the conflict to spill over into neighbouring countries.

M23 has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, with gunfire ringing out across parts of Goma, with a population of over two million over the weekend. News reports suggest the DRC and Rwandan troops have also exchanged fire on Monday along their shared border.

"Namibia is monitoring with great concern the escalation of conflict and the deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the DRC, and expresses hope that only regional mediation and diplomatic efforts will bring about lasting peace in the DRC, and halt the tension between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda," he said.

Naanda further indicated that Namibia echoes the Southern African Development Community (SADC) statement denouncing the aggression by the rebel group, and implored the region to support peace efforts in eastern DRC, emphasising that Namibia reaffirms the United Nations' (UN) charter and its principles on resolving disputes among countries through diplomatic means.

He further called on all parties to exercise restraint and spare civilian lives, allowing humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas unhindered. -Nampa

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.