Beijing calls for African-led efforts to resolve conflicts

China on Tuesday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and stronger African-led mediation efforts, warning of the gap between diplomatic commitments and conditions on the ground despite recent progress in regional peace initiatives.

Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the Great Lakes region, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, stressed the importance of African-led efforts in resolving the region's protracted conflicts.

"A lasting solution to the challenges facing the Great Lakes region requires solidarity and cooperation among regional countries, as well as a greater role for regional initiatives," Sun said.

"The international community should support the African Union in providing an effective platform for de-escalation and political dialogue, and fully respect its central role in the regional peace process," he said.

Sun welcomed the African Union's recent efforts, including a mediation road map for eastern DR Congo and field visits, and called for stronger support from international partners.

He also urged the Security Council to continue supporting UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Xia Huang in maintaining dialogue with regional parties and conducting shuttle diplomacy, while adjusting the envoy's mandate in response to evolving circumstances.

Xia told the Council that recent peace efforts, including the Washington and Doha processes, had made "notable progress", but the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo continued to deteriorate.

"A genuine ceasefire remains elusive," Xia said, adding that continued fighting and the increasing use of armed drones in populated areas were causing further civilian suffering.

Xia also noted the persistent tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda, as well as mistrust between Burundi and Rwanda, which continue to undermine prospects for regional peace.

On the humanitarian crisis, Sun called for greater international assistance to address the growing humanitarian needs in the region, particularly as the ongoing conflict has complicated efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak.

China has provided several batches of emergency financial assistance and medical supplies to DR Congo, Uganda and the African Union since the Ebola outbreak, and dispatched three teams of medical experts to DR Congo, Sun said.

Addressing the root causes of regional instability, Sun said the persistent conflicts in the Great Lakes region were closely linked to historical grievances, ethnic tensions, development deficits and the illegal exploitation of mineral resources.

minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com