The ceasefire has led to an improvement in relations between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda. Despite this, the region is still plagued by violence from multiple armed groups, including the rebel M23 forces.
Xia stressed that "serious risks remain" and that a negotiated political solution is needed to end the crisis. He also emphasised the disastrous social and humanitarian consequences of the situation, which have caused 600,000 people to be displaced in North Kivu alone.
Xia highlighted the important role of two diplomatic tracks that are working to produce a negotiated settlement inside and outside the borders of the DRC, the so-called Luanda Process and the Nairobi Process.
He said that the full implementation of commitments made under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region was a necessity and that regional peace initiatives should be welcomed and supported.
The Luanda Process was focused on restoring peace between the DRC and Rwanda, while in Nairobi, led by the East African Community, efforts continued to combine political consultation with military efforts.
Xia stressed that the withdrawal of M23 fighters from areas it has recently occupied in the east remains partial and that local and foreign armed groups in the restive east "spread terror and fuel instability." Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC persist, and trust between the two countries seems to be at an all-time low.
Xia urged the Security Council and all partners working for peace in the region to "renew and strengthen our efforts," and to take advantage of the small window of opportunity that has opened right now.
He said that the volatile mix across the Great Lakes region required a strong political will and concrete actions to give back its full vigour to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. He warned that the Great Lakes region does not need a new war and that the UN and all partners must promote a real reduction in tensions and support the region's efforts to end the crisis.
Xia concluded that the Luanda Process and the Nairobi Process were the two complementary paths towards the resolution of the current crisis and needed stronger unanimous support.