UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. UN Under-Secretary-General warns of risk of escalation of conflicts in Golan Heights and DRC Peace and Security
The head of UN peacekeeping has expressed grave concern about rising tensions in the Golan Heights and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that violations of international agreements and ongoing fighting in each region could spark a wider conflict.
Speaking at a briefing in New York on Friday, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix described his recent five-day trip to Syria and Israel, where he met with officials from the two countries and UN peacekeepers.
Tensions in the Golan Heights
“The fall of the Assad regime, as well as the entry of the IDF into the so-called separation zone, where, according to the 1974 agreement between Syria and Israel, only the UN Disengagement Observer Force is allowed, have created serious difficulties for peacekeepers and military observers,” Lacroix said.
The Deputy Secretary-General stressed that, despite the new challenges, UN peacekeepers remain committed to their mission and called on all parties to respect their mandate.
Lacroix thanked the interim Syrian authorities for publicly reaffirming their commitment to the 1974 agreement, noting the need for ongoing interaction. “We stressed the importance of regular contacts between the peacekeepers and the interim Syrian authorities, including the need to establish a stable channel of communication,” he said.
Regarding Israel’s actions in the separation zone, Lacroix was unequivocal: “I once again expressed our concern about the IDF’s presence in the separation zone. This is a clear violation of the 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria.” He noted that local residents complain about the lack of security, and called on the Israeli authorities to take measures to protect their interests.
“Our goal is to return to a situation where there are no violations, and peacekeepers can fully implement their mandate, ensuring stability in this part of the Golan Heights,” the UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasized.
Crisis in the eastern DRC
Turning to the deteriorating situation in the DRC, Lacroix described the situation in Goma as “tense and volatile, with periodic shootings in the city.” According to him, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC faces serious problems, such as unexploded ordnance, damaged infrastructure and overcrowded bases where civilians are sheltering.
“The Mission’s infrastructure is almost exhausted. The bases are experiencing serious difficulties in providing people with water, food, sanitation and everything they need,” Lacroix said.
Speaking about diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in the DRC, he acknowledged that so far they have not produced the desired results: “I must say that at this point the negotiations have not led to an end to the fighting. As you know, M23 forces are now advancing south towards Bukavu, and this is clearly a matter of great concern.”
The Under-Secretary-General stressed that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict: “There is a risk that recent events could trigger a wider regional war. It is therefore imperative that all diplomatic efforts be aimed at ending the fighting.”
Amid growing pressure on peacekeepers’ bases in the DRC, Lacroix issued a clear warning: “UN facilities must be inviolable.”
The head of UN peacekeeping operations reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to peacekeeping missions and diplomatic engagement, calling on all parties to respect international agreements and prioritize negotiations over military action.