Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to stop illegal exploitation of natural resources of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling it the root cause of the conflict in the region.

Speaking at an emergency session of the UNSC to debate on the crises in Congo, Permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, Munir Akram said that this requires greater oversight and traceability mechanisms, working in coordination with the DRC government and regional and international partners

He called on the DRC and Rwanda to urgently resume their dialogue under the Luanda process.

Munir Akram said Pakistan supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and deplored any foreign intervention in its internal affairs.

He called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the territory of the DRC.