UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in the DRC and head of that force, Bintou Keita, made the remark to the Security Council and emphasized that peace in the country remains a promise, as there are gaps between the progress in the signed documents and the reality on the ground.

Keita explained in a meeting on Tuesday the current situation in eastern Congo, marked by violence of hundreds of armed groups and the occupation of territories by the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23), with which the clashes continue.

Despite the Security Council’s decisions and the progress represented by the agreement signed in Washington between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Declaration of Principles between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebels, there is no real ceasefire.

Keita also lamented the funding shortage for aid to vulnerable populations, which is increasing daily due to violence and displacement.

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