A Chinese envoy has called on armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to end all their violent activities and withdraw from occupied areas.

Continued attacks by armed groups in the eastern DRC may worsen the country’s security situation despite the DRC government’s active efforts to advance security sector reform.

The security was to combat armed groups, promote economic development and prepare for general elections, said the Chinese diplomat, Dai Bing, at a UN Security Council briefing.

Bing is the charge d’affaires of China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN).

“Ceasefire and cessation of violence are top priorities,’’ he said.

Mr Bing said with the help of the African Union and regional countries such as Angola, the March 23 Movement armed group agreed to a ceasefire and dialogue in early March.

The envoy called on the international community to vigorously support humanitarian responses, pointing to enormous humanitarian needs in eastern DRC due to the worsening situation.

He said the relevant UN agencies and the DRC government should work together to maximise the benefit of their humanitarian assessments and ensure the safe and smooth delivery of supplies.

While meeting short-term humanitarian needs, the international community should also help the DRC strengthen its capacity for independent development in accordance with its actual needs, Mr Bing explained.

According to him, China implements cooperation with the DRC based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results. 

He added that the cooperation projects had achieved remarkable results in supporting local industrial development, expanding employment and improving people’s livelihood, and have been welcomed by the DRC government and its people.

“China will like to work with the international community to make more contributions to the peace and development of the DRC,” he said. 

(Xinhua/NAN)