Geneva: The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, announced on Monday that the ongoing armed conflict in the region has resulted in the deaths of more than 7,000 individuals since January. This figure includes over 2,500 unidentified bodies that have been buried.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Tuluka addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva, where she explained that the conflict has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, leading to the spread of epidemics. She pointed out that more than 215 cholera cases have been identified, and several Mpox cases remain untreated, posing a risk of disease spreading throughout the region.
Tuluka also highlighted attacks on hospitals and humanitarian warehouses, noting the destruction of over 90 sites hosting internally displaced persons. This has left more than 450,000 people without shelter, food, or water, according to the UN, with over 27 million in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 2.8 million internally displaced.
The Prime Minister expressed her support for the Human Rights Council's decision to establish a fact-finding mission and an independent investigation committee during its previous special session. She confirmed her government's commitment to cooperating with the committee to document human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law in conflict-affected areas.
Tuluka welcomed the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on February 21, 2025, which demands Rwanda withdraw from Congolese territory and cease its support of the M23 terrorist movement. She also praised the European Parliament's decision on February 13, 2025, condemning Rwanda's illegal exploitation of natural resources.
In response to a question from KUNA during a side press conference, Tuluka stated that her government is exploring all diplomatic solutions through the United Nations and the African Union. However, she emphasized that legal measures through international courts remain a viable option.
Tuluka called on the international community to bolster humanitarian aid for the DRC and provide necessary resources to mitigate the ongoing crisis. She underscored the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law to save lives and ease the suffering of her people.
Tuluka warned that history will judge the international community if effective measures are not taken to resolve the conflict in the DRC and other global conflict zones.