China has urged the African Union to take a stronger role in resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling for closer coordination among diplomatic initiatives and renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire. Speaking at the UN Security Council on October 13, China’s deputy permanent representative, Sun Lei, said progress in negotiations had yet to translate into lasting peace on the ground.
The meeting focused on the African Great Lakes region, particularly the conflict in eastern DRC and its implications for relations among neighboring countries. Sun urged the parties to comply with Security Council Resolution 2773, called on the M23 armed group to cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas, and stressed that the DRC and Rwanda should address their security concerns through dialogue.
Beijing Backs African-Led Mediation
Sun called for the international community to support the African Union (AU) in establishing a stronger platform for de-escalation and political dialogue. He welcomed the AU’s proposed mediation roadmap and recent initiatives, including field visits, and urged international partners to support its central role in the regional peace process.
The statement comes as several diplomatic tracks seek to address different aspects of the conflict. The Washington process focuses on relations between the DRC and Rwanda, while the Doha negotiations involve the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 movement. Sun called for better coordination among these efforts and continued support for UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia, whose mandate he said should be adjusted to reflect changing circumstances.
Security and Resources Remain Central Concerns
China also linked regional stability to humanitarian conditions and the economic factors sustaining conflict. Sun said continued fighting had displaced civilians, worsened food insecurity and complicated efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak. He called for unhindered humanitarian access and greater international support for relief and disease-control efforts.
Addressing longer-term causes, he identified historical grievances, ethnic tensions, development gaps, illegal mining and resource smuggling as factors contributing to instability. He urged regional governments to strengthen economic cooperation and work together to prevent the illicit exploitation of natural resources.
Sun also cited China’s assistance to the DRC, Uganda and the African Union during the Ebola outbreak, as well as the deployment of three medical expert teams to the DRC. These measures formed part of Beijing’s broader case for combining security efforts with humanitarian assistance and development cooperation.
From Diplomatic Coordination to Results
China’s statement reinforces its support for African-led mediation, but it does not announce a new peace initiative or a separate negotiating mechanism. Instead, Beijing is calling for existing efforts to work more closely together while regional governments address both immediate security threats and longer-term sources of instability.
The central challenge remains translating diplomatic agreements into a sustained ceasefire and improved conditions for civilians. Whether stronger coordination under AU leadership can help close that gap will depend on the willingness of the parties to implement existing agreements and cooperate with regional and international mediators.
