Algiers, December 29, 2025 – Algeria has issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region, describing the current state as a ‘critical phase’ threatening the stability of the entire African continent.
The remarks were delivered by Ahmed Attaf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, during a high-level meeting held in Côte d’Ivoire. Algeria strongly condemned the recent military escalation, particularly the fall of the city of Uvira in South Kivu province to the AFC/M23 coalition, considering it a direct challenge to the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Minister Attaf cautioned that the widening gap between the ‘written commitments’ outlined in the Washington and Doha agreements and the ‘reality on the ground’ risks collapsing the fragile peace process in the region. He emphasized the tragic humanitarian dimension of the conflict, citing shocking statistics of 5.7 million displaced persons and 25 million facing severe food insecurity.
Beyond diagnosing the crisis, Algeria presented a practical vision comprising three urgent priorities: an immediate cessation of hostilities through an unconditional return to the ceasefire agreement, coupled with the activation of the principle of ‘accountability’ for all perpetrators of violence; robust diplomatic engagement, including adapting the role of the United Nations mission (MONUSCO) to protect civilians and strengthening dialogue platforms to build trust among regional states; and addressing the root economic causes by transforming the DRC’s wealth from a ‘spark for confrontation’ into an ‘engine for shared prosperity.’ Algeria affirmed its support for the economic integration agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.
Algeria’s plan aims to foster regional cooperation.
In closing, Algeria reiterated its commitment to the principle of ‘African solutions for African problems’ under the auspices of the African Union, expressing full support for the proposals of the Chairperson of the Commission. It stressed the need to transition the region from a horizon of conflict and suffering to one based on mutual cooperation, understanding, and shared prosperity.
