The petition to the UN Secretary-General, signed by a powerful coalition of 400 individuals of global reputation including academics, lawyers, religious leaders, politicians, authors, and artists, represents a vital intervention in the escalating crisis in eastern DR Congo.

This collective voice, amplified by prominent figures from over 50 countries across differemt continents, rightly demands the world's attention to the plight of Congolese Tutsi, who have endured years of targeted violence and persecution.

For decades, the cries of vulnerable populations in eastern DR Congo have gone largely unheard. They have been targeted for who they are, and in some cases, entire villages have been annihilated by militia groups working with the Kinshasa regime, but not a single voice has come up to condemn it.

The petition rightly draws attention to the specific targeting of Congolese Tutsi, a community facing a grave threat to their safety and security. This is not merely a conflict between warring factions; it is a humanitarian crisis fueled by ethnic hatred and violence, and the international community can no longer afford to look away.

Among the critical steps the petitioners raise to avert the situation include a review of the UN peacekeeping force's mandate is both timely and necessary.

For nearly three decades, the UN has maintained a presence in the DR Congo, yet the force – which is the largest in the world – has consistently failed to effectively protect vulnerable populations. This failure has eroded trust and undermined the UN's credibility.

It is clear that the current mandate is not fit for purpose and requires a fundamental overhaul because, as it is, the blue helmets under MONUSCO are deeply entrenched in the conflict and have been openly working with the Kinshasa regime and its coalition of militia groups, including the FDLR, a terror outfit linked to the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

The petition by this coalition of prominent individuals is a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering pursuit of justice. It is now incumbent upon the UN to respond with the urgency and commitment that this crisis demands. The people of eastern DR Congo have suffered for far too long.

The time for decisive action is now.