Vatican Warning: Escalation of violence in the Congo must be stopped immediately!

Vatican Warning: Escalation of violence in the Congo must be stopped immediately!

Bukavu, Demokratische Republik Kongo - The constant observer of the Vatican at the United Nations, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, condemned the escalation of the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in an urgent speech. The rebel coalition AFC/M23 has occupied Goma and is now moving to Bukavu, which leads to an alarming humanitarian crisis. At the 37th special meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Balestrero called for all hostilities to hire immediately and to respect the territorial integrity of the Congo. This was also supported by Vaticannews is.

Balestrero pointed out that the escalating conflicts have already led to massive displacements and an increasing loss of human life. Civilian victims are the tragic result of this violence, and even peace troops were injured or killed in their missions. In order to relieve the humanitarian emergency, the immediate reopening of Goma airport is required to enable urgently needed humanitarian aid. In his speech, Balestrero also reminded of Pope Francis' appeal for the immediate termination of hostility, while he expressed his sympathy for the families concerned.

human dignity and military interests

In another context of international diplomacy, Balestrero also spoke about the problems resulting from military and geopolitical interests. According to him, these interests often undermine respect for human dignity, which leads to enormous losses of human life in armed conflicts. He asked to comply with the obligations specified in humanitarian international law and to ensure the security of the civilian population. During a session for the "political explanation to strengthen the protection of the civilian population", he advocated the transition from the paradigm of "collateral damage" towards active protection of innocent human life. This worrying situation, including the use of autonomous weapon systems, could also have a serious effect on peace and stability in the affected regions, according to Balestrero, such as Vatican News reported.