S/PV.10126 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Rwanda to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Interim Head of MONUSCO, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Ms. Van de Perre. Ms. Van de Perre: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This meeting takes place at a time when the security and political situation in the eastern part of the country remains extremely tense, marked by the persistence of hostilities and armed group activities, amid a constrained operational environment. In this challenging context, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) remains committed to delivering on its mandate in accordance with resolution 2808 (2025) adopted in December 2025. While the Mission continues to implement the full spectrum of its activities in Ituri, in North Kivu it will also support the implementation of the ceasefire, alongside the protection of civilians and other mandated priority tasks. In South Kivu, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s letter transmitted to the Council on 27 February (S/2026/105), MONUSCO’s activities will focus exclusively on ceasefire-related functions. Clashes between the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars (AFC/M23), which is supported by the Rwanda Defence Force, and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), which is supported by Wazalendo and other allies, in Petit Nord, North Kivu, and in South Kivu continue to escalate, marked by an increased use of heavy weaponry and a military build-up. Despite the withdrawal by the AFC/M23 from Uvira on 17 January under international pressure, the situation in South Kivu remains tense, and renewed hostilities have expanded and shifted the front lines, including towards Burundi’s border, increasing the risk of a regional conflagration. In Ituri, the situation remains alarming. Violence linked to Thomas Lubanga’s Convention pour la révolution populaire (CRP), around Bule and Fataki, has resulted in numerous casualties, large-scale displacement and attacks on infrastructure, including a MONUSCO convoy. In addition, following a lull in activity, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) elements attacked mining sites in Mambasa Territory on 11 March, a significant distance from their traditional areas of operation in North Kivu, where they also remain active. Recent hostilities between the Government and the AFC/M23 have also been marked by the growing use of offensive drones and by continued jamming and spoofing of GPS signals. Two concerning developments have emerged in this regard. First, the conflict is expanding beyond North Kivu and South Kivu into Tshopo Province, which lies far from the epicentre of the conflict. Secondly, the use of such capabilities in urban settings raises serious concerns about the risks posed to civilians and civilian infrastructure, including recent incidents affecting sites such as Bangoka airport in Kisangani, and Goma town. Meanwhile, the AFC/M23 continues to consolidate parallel administrative structures in areas under its control, further undermining State authority and complicating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. These challenges are exacerbated by the absence of a functioning banking system within a broader context of pervasive insecurity, widespread human rights violations and restricted access. Despite these challenges, diplomatic efforts to support the implementation of ongoing peace processes are ongoing. I welcome the renewed commitment by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to advance the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, as reaffirmed during the meeting on 17 and 18 March in Washington, D.C., at which both parties agreed on concrete measures to further the implementation of the peace agreement and to reduce tensions on the ground. Furthermore, efforts pursued through the Doha process and the initiatives led by the African Union have also helped to lay the foundation of a ceasefire architecture, structured around the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism (COVM) and the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus (EJVM+). A welcome step in this respect was the convening in Doha on 1 and 2 February of the seventh meeting of the COVM, which resulted in the adoption of its terms of reference and an agreement on the deployment of the EJVM+ mission to Uvira, as an initial confidence-building measure. In support of these efforts and in line with the Mission’s mandate to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, from 12 to 14 February, I travelled to Goma by air, marking the first landing of an aircraft at Goma airport after more than a year of interrupted air access. During my visit, I engaged with relevant counterparts and stakeholders to advance practical arrangements for the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism. I encourage the Council to exercise its influence to translate this progress into a rapid reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports and a resumption of flights, as the airports remain a vital lifeline for the population and humanitarian actors in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. From 23 to 27 February, MONUSCO, in collaboration with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, deployed a joint exploratory mission to Uvira to assess the political, security and logistical conditions required for the future deployment of the EJVM+. Our findings underscore that credible ceasefire monitoring would require security guarantees and freedom of movement for the Mission before the monitoring and verification teams can be deployed. Concurrently, relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes are also working on a United Nations support package in response to priority needs for the restoration of State authority, with a focus on Uvira. In parallel, while the African Union mediator has commenced his efforts to harmonize peace initiatives, the national landscape remains fragmented. In Kinshasa, renewed debates around an inclusive dialogue have been accompanied by a proliferation of initiatives. I encourage all political and civil society actors to find common ground on the scope, objectives and modalities of the national dialogue. I also welcome President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s openness, with the support of Angola, to an inclusive national dialogue, and I encourage the Government to adopt confidence-building measures to foster an inclusive and constructive dialogue that will pave the way for a peaceful and representative election in 2028. Turning to MONUSCO’s activities in North Kivu and Ituri, the Mission continues to implement its three-tiered approach to the protection of civilians. More specifically, the Mission has provided protection to nearly 3,000 civilians who fled CRP violence from Djaiba village and sought refuge at its Fataki base. The Mission has also intensified patrols to deter persistent ADF attacks in both Ituri and Grand Nord, North Kivu. In the meantime, violence attributed to the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo has declined owing in part to local peace initiatives under the Aru II dialogue, supported by the Mission. In addition, by conducting 204 patrols as part of Operation Secure Harvest IV, the Mission has enabled 18,000 farmers to harvest and transport their produce. These efforts, along with Operation Nyundo II and Operation Safisha, provide concrete examples of the Mission’s sustained protective posture in areas most exposed to ADF attacks. In this context, MONUSCO has maintained a proactive posture in protecting civilians by strengthening community alert networks in areas where its direct presence remains limited, while conducting joint operations with the FARDC. MONUSCO also continues to support nationally led and inclusive security sector reform (SSR). Strengthening governance and SSR remains critical to enabling the State to fulfil its primary responsibility to protect civilians, while advancing in tandem on disarmament and repatriation efforts remains essential to de-escalation. I encourage the Government to move forward with the submission and adoption of a new military programming law, which would complement the promulgation of the police programming law in July 2025. These legislative frameworks provide the country with the necessary tools to protect its population and establish a foundation for durable peace. Since the Council was last briefed on this subject (see S/PV.10063), in December 2025, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to document numerous grave violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence committed by armed groups and State actors. Women and children are disproportionately affected, and cases of forced displacement, arbitrary killings, abductions and sexual violence remain widespread. Since December 2025, 173 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 victims, mostly women and girls, which is, as we know, only the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, in these areas, restrictions on MONUSCO’s access continue to impede its ability to fully monitor, investigate and report on violations, as mandated by the Council. In parallel, in AFC/M23-controlled areas, human rights defenders, journalists and civil society continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detentions. I would like to highlight the alert issued on 8 March by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office on sexual slavery and the situation of children born of rape, underscoring the urgency of a coordinated national and international response to end these crimes and to ensure full accountability. In parallel, the forced labour of children remains a major concern in artisanal mining sites, including for the purpose of the illicit exploitation fuelling this conflict. In this regard, we reiterate our readiness to support the Government in finalizing a charter against the instrumentalization of children for political, electoral and conflict purposes. Amid the volatile security dynamics, the humanitarian landscape has shifted dramatically: 6.4 million people are currently internally displaced across the country, including nearly 4 million in the eastern provinces, alongside an additional 4.3 million returnees. The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by food insecurity, which in 2026 is expected to affect 26.6 million people, representing approximately a quarter of the population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While current humanitarian efforts remain essential, they are insufficient and compounded by significant funding challenges. However, humanitarian action alone cannot carry the burden of peace, particularly in a context in which humanitarian actors continue to be targeted, with 10 incidents reported since December 2025. Most recently, the killing of a UNICEF staff member in a strike on her residence in Goma stands as a tragic and unacceptable reminder of the risk faced by those working to save lives. Civilians and humanitarian workers are not targets. Yet, when violence erupts, it is always the most vulnerable who suffer the heaviest consequences. These acts must be unequivocally condemned, and those responsible held to account. (spoke in French) In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that peace and security in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo require a renewed collective commitment. The Congolese people, who have endured violence and the illegal exploitation of their resources for far too long, deserve to see peace and responsible governance finally become a reality. I call on the parties to honour their commitments in order to bridge the gap between diplomacy and the security situation, and I urge the Council to act decisively to prevent further suffering and to hold the perpetrators of abuses to account. For its part, MONUSCO remains firmly committed to standing with civilians.

I thank Ms. Van de Perre for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I welcome you to New York, Mr. President, and I thank you for your tireless efforts to promote peace in Africa. I thank the Deputy Special Representative, Ms Vivian van de Perre, for her briefing, which reveals the stark contrast between progress of political discussions and the persistence of fighting and of a grave humanitarian crisis. Discussions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda resumed last week in Washington, D.C. This is an encouraging sign. France fully supports the mediation efforts of the United States and Qatar and the facilitation role of the African Union. Agreements have been signed. Those agreements must now be translated into action on the ground, particularly as the ongoing fighting led to the death of a French national working for UNICEF on 11 March. France calls for an independent and impartial investigation. Attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers cannot be tolerated. The parties must respect international humanitarian law. Today I would like to emphasize three points. First, the Council has assumed its responsibilities and will continue to do so. Resolution 2773 (2025), adopted unanimously by the Council, calls on the Mouvement du 23 mars to cease its offensive, on the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from Congolese territory, and on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neutralize the Forces démocratiques de liberation du Rwanda. We expect the parties to abide by this resolution. The Council amended, also unanimously, the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in December 2025 to enable the Mission to fully support the peace processes: resolution 2808 (2025) authorizes MONUSCO to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, within the framework of the mechanism agreed by the parties in Doha. The Council will continue working to ensure that the parties uphold their commitments. Secondly, MONUSCO stands ready to support the peace processes. France thanks the United Nations for its work to set out the details of MONUSCO’s support for the ceasefire, in accordance with the Security Council’s will and mandate. In our view, the phased and conditional approach proposed in the Secretary-General’s letter (S/2026/105) is the right one. I would also like to commend MONUSCO’s vital role in protecting civilians, which is one of its priority tasks. In the Kivus and Ituri, MONUSCO continues to protect civilians from the destabilizing actions of armed groups. Thirdly, we once again call on the parties to find a political solution. On the ground, the urgent priority is the establishment of a ceasefire under agreed principles and one that must be effective, verifiable and permanent. Obstacles to MONUSCO’s work and practices that endanger the safety of peacekeepers must cease. We support efforts to resume humanitarian flights via Goma airport, in line with the commitment made in Paris on 30 October 2025. Dialogue must continue to secure tangible guarantees regarding the humanitarian protocols and the ceasefire negotiated in Doha. A lasting political solution will require an end to all hate speech that jeopardizes the safety of civilians, along with progress on the inter-Congolese dialogue. In this regard, we welcome the consultations initiated by Angola. In the final analysis, there can be no lasting peace without combating impunity. In conclusion, more than three decades of conflict have reinforced two convictions that are widely held in the Council: first, there can be no military solution, and secondly, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are non-negotiable. We must continue our collective effort to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. A solution is in sight. The Council must do everything in its power to support it.

Let me thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over the meeting here today and for your personal efforts and leadership in bringing peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I also thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Van de Perre for her sobering update, and through her, I thank the men and women of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for their immense efforts under extremely difficult circumstances. It has long been clear that the path to sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot be forged through force, but requires sustained mediation, dialogue and compromise. Denmark therefore welcomes the various mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar, Togo and the African Union. We are also encouraged by the prospects of an inclusive national dialogue, with Angolan support. Whatever the format or process, we call for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. Minorities and other relevant groups must also be included to ensure a sustainable peace. However, without tangible progress and improvements in the lives of civilians on the ground, agreements and processes risk simply remaining words on a page. We are deeply concerned about the continued fighting and condemn the attack on Goma on 11 March, which resulted in the death of civilians, including a UNICEF humanitarian worker. We remind the parties that humanitarian personnel must be protected and that directing attacks against humanitarian personnel is prohibited and may constitute a war crime. With this context in mind, the main objective must be for the parties to commit to implementing a permanent and verifiable ceasefire. We further reiterate our call to all parties to uphold the commitments made for deescalation and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While fighting continues and humanitarian needs surge, appalling human rights violations and abuses continue to be reported. We are particularly concerned about persistent sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls and continued reports of significant restrictions on civic space, including arbitrary arrests and the unlawful detention of opposition members. Denmark’s stance is clear: peace will not be achieved without justice. We reiterate our support for the fact-finding mission on the situation in North Kivu and South Kivu Provinces. The fact-finding mission’s work should continue through the establishment of the commission of inquiry, as requested by the Human Rights Council in October. We urge continued commitment to justice and accountability for international crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence, underpinned by adequate and sustainable funding. Turning to MONUSCO, Denmark welcomes the observations made in the Secretary-General’s letter (S/2026/105) on progress towards the establishment of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism. We commend MONUSCO’s constructive participation in the formulation of the mechanism’s terms of reference and the practicalities of its set-up. Given that it is a credible actor with significant experience in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see MONUSCO as well placed to support ceasefire monitoring. We cannot stress enough the importance of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding and the capabilities for MONUSCO to be able to implement its mandate in full; otherwise, we risk setting the Mission up for failure. It is also clear that the conditions on the ground need to improve for the Mission to fully support ceasefire monitoring and implementation. We therefore remind all parties of their obligations to ensure MONUSCO’s full freedom of movement and the safety and security of its peacekeepers. In conclusion, Denmark remains committed to contributing to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The evolving situation demands our continued attention, commitment and action. We stand ready to engage with all Council members to this end.

I welcome Senior Advisor Boulos to the Chamber to preside over today’s meeting. I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Van de Perre for her briefing. The current round of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has persisted for more than a year, and the situation is now at a critical juncture. On the one hand, in-depth diplomatic negotiations among the parties are progressing, calls for peace are growing louder, and the framework for a ceasefire agreement is gradually taking shape. On the other hand, the scourge of violence is far from being eliminated, civilian casualties continue to rise, and the humanitarian crisis is a grave cause for concern. The international community must remain resolute and redouble its efforts to jointly promote the swift restoration of lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would like to make three points in that regard. First, a comprehensive ceasefire must be implemented without delay. It is the consensus of the international community that military means cannot bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recently, the parties to the conflict have continued to engage in hostilities, particularly through the frequent use of drones, which undermines the atmosphere for a ceasefire. China calls on all parties to treat a lasting ceasefire as an overriding priority and to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities under resolution 2337 (2025) and the relevant agreements. The Mouvement du 23 mars must cease all expansionist activities and commit to dialogue and negotiations. All parties should abide by international humanitarian law and ensure the safety and security of civilians, humanitarian personnel and foreign nationals and their businesses. China has taken note of recent reports that foreign private security companies are becoming involved in the conflict and calls for the relevant parties to stop adding fuel to the fire. Secondly, the political settlement must be advanced with steady determination. Recently, the African Union (AU) and countries in the region have actively used their good offices, allowing an AU-led mediation framework and plan of action to be established. Such efforts are laudable. It is important for the international community to support the AU’s central role in the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to support the United Nations, the AU and subregional organizations in strengthening their coordination and in complementing each other’s efforts so as to jointly build a regional security economic framework that is open, inclusive and mutually beneficial, thereby decisively breaking the cycle characterized by alternating periods of fighting and ceasefire. China calls for external mediators to uphold the principles of objectivity, impartiality, transparency and inclusiveness, to commit to promoting the implementation of agreements already reached and to play a truly constructive role in the sustained de-escalation of the regional situation. Thirdly, assurances must be given to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to enable it to fulfil its mandate. China supports a greater role for MONUSCO in maintaining peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That said, the fragile situation on the ground, the uncertainty surrounding ceasefire arrangements and the fact that MONUSCO’s own security and freedom of movement are not guaranteed make it effectively impossible for MONUSCO to take on additional tasks in terms of supporting and monitoring a ceasefire. As the saying goes, “haste makes waste”. At this stage, MONUSCO must prioritize enhanced coordination with all parties to create conditions that are more favourable to further supporting ceasefire monitoring, while promptly keeping the Security Council informed of the relevant progress. On that basis, the Council will, in turn, take into consideration situational developments, the requests of the parties concerned and the Secretary-General’s proposals in order to comprehensively consider and decide whether to further expand MONUSCO’s mandate in support of ceasefire monitoring. The hasty authorization of an expanded role for the Mission in ceasefire monitoring would not be conducive to the effective performance of its mandate and would also undermine the Council’s authority. China has always respected the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s efforts to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China supports the Democratic Republic of the Congo in restoring its governance and authority in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as soon as possible. We remain committed to objectivity and impartiality, while promoting peace and dialogue. We have always put the interests of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region first and have never sought to pursue selfish political interests. As a good friend of the countries in the region, China stands ready to continue working with one and all to make greater efforts to promote the return of peace and stability to the region and achieve development and prosperity.

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over this meeting and for your efforts to promote peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to thank Deputy Special Representative Van de Perre for her insightful briefing and for her leadership of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in recent months. Nearly one year after the unanimous adoption of resolution 2773 (2025) and the Council’s call for an immediate end to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, we meet at a moment marked by both progress and persistent risks. In that regard, I would like to make the following points. First, resolution 2773 (2025) must be implemented immediately, fully and unconditionally. The Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars (AFC/M23) must cease hostilities at once and withdraw from Goma, Bukavu and all other areas under its control. The airports of Goma and Kavumu must reopen without delay. The Rwanda Defence Force must cease all support for the AFC/M23 and withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All illegitimate, parallel Administrations must be dismantled, and State authority must be restored throughout the country. Greece reaffirms its steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, we are deeply concerned about the intensified use of drone strikes by the parties to the conflict, which has been causing civilian casualties since the beginning of the year. We strongly condemn the recent drone strikes in Goma that killed a UNICEF staff member and other civilians. We reiterate our strong commitment to the safety and security of United Nations humanitarian personnel and peacekeepers. Attacks against United Nations personnel constitute a blatant violation of international law and must be fully investigated. Those responsible must be held accountable. Thirdly, we welcome all efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and advancing sustainable peace, stability and reconciliation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We commend the United States, Qatar, the African Union and Angola for their important mediation efforts. The momentum generated by the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda must be preserved. All parties must de-escalate immediately, honour the commitments that they have undertaken under the various peace processes and accelerate the implementation thereof. Fourthly, we remain deeply alarmed by the acute humanitarian crisis and the grave consequences of the conflict, which have further increased the number of internally displaced persons, as we also heard from the Deputy Special Representative today. All parties must respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access and facilitate humanitarian flights. We are particularly appalled by the continuing grave human rights violations and abuses committed against women and children, including the large-scale recruitment and use of children, abductions, killings and maiming and shocking levels of conflict-related sexual violence. All perpetrators must be brought to justice. Finally, all restrictions on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement must be lifted. Resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808 (2025) reaffirm the Council’s full support for MONUSCO, the role of which remains critical in protecting civilians, responding to urgent humanitarian needs and supporting the implementation of peace processes. We commend MONUSCO for its continued efforts in support of a permanent ceasefire. We also welcome the joint MONUSCO-International Conference on the Great Lakes Region exploratory mission to Uvira last month to assess conditions for the deployment of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism. We reaffirm our strong commitment to the safety and security of MONUSCO personnel. In conclusion, Greece stands ready to support any further engagement by the Council, as necessary, towards sustainable peace, stability and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council (A3) — namely, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and my own country, Liberia. We thank the Special Representative ad interim for her briefing. We also recognize, with deserved appreciation, the service of outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Bintou Keita, and we welcome Mr. James Swan as he assumes the leadership of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) at this pivotal moment. For too long, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the arena in which old grievances, new ambitions and external interests converge, and they do so with devastating consequences for civilians. The recent use of sophisticated aerial assets, including drone attacks in Kisangani and Goma, marks a dangerous escalation. Civilians, humanitarian actors and United Nations personnel have again paid a high price for peace and security with their lives. These are violations, but more importantly, they are affronts to our shared humanity. In such circumstances, the implementation of a ceasefire is not only urgent but indispensable. On diplomatic efforts, the A3 urges all parties to take immediate steps to halt the violence and to bridge the persistent gap between diplomatic progress and security realities on the ground. We commend the State of Qatar, the United States, the African Union and Angola for their respective roles, and we welcome the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda of 4 December 2025, concluded under the auspices of the United States. In his letter of 27 February (S/2026/105), the Secretary-General noted that MONUSCO may require an additional deployment, within the phased approach, to provide sustainable support for monitoring and verifying the ceasefire in North and South Kivu. The A3 is committed to this objective. However, adherence to the ceasefire continues to face serious obstacles. On 10 December 2025 — six days after the signing of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity — the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars and its supporters seized Uvira, a city of strategic importance to both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Only sustained international pressure led to their announced withdrawal on 17 January, accompanied by their call for the deployment of a neutral international force to enable a credible resumption of political efforts. In this context, the A3 welcomes the signing of the terms of reference for the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism during the seventh Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism meeting in Doha on 2 February. The deployment of Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism missions to Uvira represents an important step towards operationalizing the ceasefire architecture and demonstrates a willingness by the parties to de‑escalate. The A3 further encourages all political and diplomatic efforts to implement the ceasefire mandated in resolution 2773 (2025) and reaffirmed in resolution 2808 (2025). The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and the Doha process impose clear obligations to de‑escalate and to cease hostilities. These obligations must be fully respected. Despite progress in some areas, the full operationalization of ceasefire mechanisms remains incomplete. The Council must treat the realization of a ceasefire as an absolute priority. The A3 calls on the African Union, the United States and Qatar, as designated mediators, to intensify their efforts and maintain consistent pressure on all the parties. There is momentum that must not be lost, lest the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo once again descend into large‑scale war, with the risk of a broader regional crisis. The African Union has long affirmed that African challenges require African leadership, supported by genuine international partnership. This moment demands that resolve. To avoid yet another cycle of stalled progress, the A3 stresses the need for a consolidated peace implementation architecture — one that brings together regional initiatives, ensures coherence in implementation and guarantees transparent reporting to the Council. Allow me to highlight several points aimed at course correction. First, the region has no shortage of agreements. What is missing is implementation. The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity of December of 2025 reaffirm commitments to troop withdrawal, economic cooperation and previous agreements. Subsequent steps taken in Washington, D.C., in March of 2026 outlined coordinated measures to safeguard sovereignty, disengage forces, neutralize armed groups and protect civilians. But as we all have come to see, agreements do not implement themselves. The A3, therefore, call for a regional peace implementation architecture with clear benchmarks, third-party verification, time-bound obligations and agreed consequences for non-compliance. Building agreements without implementation mechanisms only builds hope without outcomes. Peace must be engineered, not simply imagined. Secondly, the protection of civilians must be a priority. The humanitarian crisis — 6.5 million internally displaced and 27 million facing acute food insecurity — demands urgent attention. The airports in Goma and Kavumu must reopen immediately to allow humanitarian flights for MONUSCO’s operations. Attacks on civilians, humanitarian personnel and United Nations staff are unacceptable and require independent and impartial investigations. Thirdly, MONUSCO must be strengthened as a pillar of peace. Contingency measures have already reduced its uniformed presence by 23.4 per cent. Any further drawdown must be responsible, conditions-based and aligned with the protection of civilians. It is unreasonable to expect MONUSCO to deliver on its mandate with diminished capacity. The A3, therefore, calls for adequate, predictable and sustainable funding for MONUSCO, full freedom of movement, operational guarantees for ceasefire monitoring and coordinated cooperation with regional mechanisms. Fourthly, accountability must be restored. Multiple investigations have confirmed external involvement, support to armed groups and illegal resource exploitation. Impunity fuels this conflict. Accountability must extinguish it. Fifthly, diplomatic efforts cannot operate in silos. The A3 calls for harmonized reporting among mediation tracks, a unified monitoring mechanism and regular joint briefings to the Security Council. When mediators coordinate, parties cannot evade responsibility. Finally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not short of commitments. What is needed now is coherence, discipline and accountability. Peace will not be secured by the accumulation of agreements but by their faithful execution. We must ensure this moment does not become another missed opportunity. The A3 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We commend the resilience of the Congolese people, who deserve more than just our sympathy. They deserve results. If this conflict persists, it will not be for lack of solutions but for lack of will to implement them.

We welcome Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and we wish to thank her for the briefing. We also welcome the participation of the representative of Rwanda in our meeting. We must acknowledge that, despite the fact that a number of agreements were reached in 2025 through extraregional mediation aimed at achieving peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation on the ground has not improved. There is no talk whatsoever about any truce or ceasefire. Quite the contrary, since the beginning of the year, we have been witnessing a situation that is the opposite of what the parties once agreed upon among themselves in Doha and Washington. Not only are the hostilities not over, but they are rather leading to an evolution of the conflict and qualitative changes in its military nature. In particular, what is becoming more pronounced is the use of drone strikes. A drone strike in Goma on 11 March killed a UNICEF staff member and, reportedly, two civilians as well. We extend our heartfelt condolences regarding their deaths. We do hope that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will take all necessary measures to investigate the circumstances of what transpired and bring those responsible to justice. This high-profile case is just one of many other manifestations of the fact that it is unarmed civilians who bear the brunt of the armed conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is civilians who die every day, fall victim to sexual violence or suffer from the humanitarian consequences of hostilities. A question here: how long is this going to last? This is, first and foremost, a question for the parties to the conflict. Both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo must implement the demands contained in resolution 2773 (2025), namely to cease hostilities and stop supporting illegal armed groups. The main responsibility for upholding the commitments made lies primarily with the parties to the conflict. However, as is well known, a share of responsibility is also to be borne by intermediaries, and we do hope that they will make additional efforts to ensure that the agreements signed through their mediation are indeed enforced. It is clear that the abovementioned, as well as steadily advancing towards a lasting settlement, is impossible without the active involvement of African diplomacy. Here we commend the efforts undertaken by the President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, Mr. Faure Gnassingbé, who is acting as chief mediator on behalf of the African Union. We also welcome the peacemaking initiatives of Angolan President João Lourenço. We believe that it is precisely balanced African solutions that can create the conditions for addressing the root causes of the conflict. At the same time, we assume that there is a need for clear coordination of all mediation efforts, and we believe that duplicating regional and extracontinental efforts may lower their overall effectiveness. We are closely following the launch of the ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism agreed upon in Doha, which was developed on the basis of a similar structure, namely the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. United Nations peacekeepers are set to play a significant role in the operation thereof. What is of fundamental importance here is that the assistance provided to the mechanism by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) remain fully in line with the Mission’s mandate, as set out in resolution 2808 (2025). We have taken note of the Secretary-General’s letter containing proposals regarding the further parameters for expanding the involvement of MONUSCO (S/2026/105). It is important to note that our United Nations colleagues have stated in black and white that for the Mission to expand its involvement in the work of the Doha monitoring mechanism, the parties to the conflict must deliver on their commitments, which currently still only exist on paper. We thank the Secretariat for its professionally compiled information and balanced analysis. Given how the situation is developing, it is very clear that the conditions for this are not on the horizon right now. Moreover, under the current circumstances, talk of further adjusting MONUSCO’s mandate is not only counterproductive; it is also dangerous, meaning that the death of the UNICEF staff member will not be the last fatal incident to affect United Nations staff and peacekeepers. A cautious and flexible approach is needed. Any significant changes to the Mission’s mandate must take the actual situation on the ground into account. The same applies to the possible deployment of peacekeepers in South Kivu, which would require a separate decision by the Security Council. For our part, as a permanent member of the Council, we will continue to contribute to fostering constructive dialogue among all States of the Great Lakes region with a view to arriving at balanced and long-term solutions.

I welcome your presence today, Mr. President, and your presiding over this meeting, and I also wish to thank you for all your personal efforts towards peace in Africa. And I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Vivian van de Perre for the briefing. At the outset, allow me to express Latvia’s support for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and to thank all uniformed personnel and civilian staff for their work in very challenging circumstances. MONUSCO’s multidimensional support remains essential for advancing peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and MONUSCO’s protection is critical for the hundreds of thousands trapped in a cycle of violence and displacement. Latvia is deeply concerned about the dire security and humanitarian situation in the east. We condemn the 11 March drone strike on Goma, which killed a UNICEF aid worker. We express our sincere condolences and join the calls for a swift and independent investigation to ensure accountability. Humanitarian relief personnel embody the highest values of humanity and play an essential role in protecting and supporting people in crisis. They and their relief consignments must never be targeted, and international humanitarian law must be respected by all. I will make three points. First, we support all efforts to achieve lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We commend the United States, Qatar and the African Union for their peace efforts and the progress achieved thus far. In this context, we also note last week’s joint statement by the Governments of the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda on advancing the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and we hope to see diplomatic progress finally translate into material improvement in the situation on the ground. As we heard in the briefing, it is concerning that hostilities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have continued despite repeated calls from the Council, notably through resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808 (2025), and despite the agreements achieved through mediation. We urge all parties to implement their obligations and commitments in good faith. We call on Rwanda to cease its support for the Mouvement du 23 mars and withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also call for the neutralization of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda and a cessation of support for it and other armed groups. The parties should finally implement an actual ceasefire. This brings me to my second point. We welcome the establishment and operationalization of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism agreed in the Doha process. As confirmed by the Secretary-General, MONUSCO stands ready to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, provided that the necessary conditions are in place. We support the approach proposed by the Secretary-General. We urge all parties to create the necessary conditions for MONUSCO to play an effective role. All parties must refrain from hostile actions that threaten the safety and security of peacekeepers. Having said that, for the best laid plans to work, they need to be resourced. It is critical that MONUSCO be provided with adequate funding and capabilities to support ceasefire monitoring and verification, while fully delivering on its core mandate in North Kivu and Ituri, most importantly with regard to the protection of civilians. Thirdly, human lives are the ultimate price of this conflict. Many have been lost and many more scarred. We condemn the widespread violations and abuses of human rights across the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by non-State and State actors, including the recruitment and exploitation of children and conflict-related sexual violence. We recall the stark testimony by the International President of Médecins sans frontières at the beginning of December: “Women and girls tell us that sexual violence is not simply feared, it is expected.” (S/PV.10063, p.9) It is a harrowing reality. Surely, the Council can and must speak more clearly and act more boldly to advance accountability for human rights violations and abuses. Supporting monitoring and reporting capacities and investigative mechanisms needs to be part of it. In conclusion, I would like to use this opportunity to welcome the appointment of the new Special Representative, James Swan, and Latvia reiterates its commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the shared objective of lasting peace and stability and sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We stand ready to lend our voice and efforts towards this objective.

We welcome you, Mr. President, and the fact that you are honouring us by presiding over this meeting, and we commend you for your unswerving efforts in the quest for negotiated solutions. We thank Deputy Special Representative Vivian van de Perre for her briefing of particular pertinence to understanding recent developments in the situation in the Kivus and Ituri. Likewise, we acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Rwanda at this meeting. The state of affairs in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a matter of profound concern. The territorial expansion of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars, the persistence of its clashes with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the increasing use of armed drones are altering the nature of the conflict and heightening the risks to the population. Panama takes note of the progress accomplished in the Washington and Doha processes and the gradual activation of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, whose planned deployment in Uvira may help to foster the minimum conditions for confidence at a particularly critical time. Nonetheless, restrictions on the freedom of movement of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in areas controlled by armed actors and operational constraints ensuing from recent adjustments to its deployment continue to be a cause for concern. Preserving its preventive presence in critical areas will continue to be decisive to supporting the ceasefire architecture being developed. The human dimension of the conflict also remains alarming. More than 6 million people are still internally displaced and more than 26 million are facing severe food insecurity. Moreover, the cholera outbreak — the gravest in decades — is placing additional pressure on local systems that are already overwhelmed. We also condemn the 11 March attack on Goma, which claimed the lives of civilians, including a UNICEF staff member. Those incidents deserve to be properly investigated, and we again convey our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and our solidarity with all those affected by that tragic event. Panama is of the view that it is crucial to continue bolstering consistency among regional efforts spearheaded by Africa, ceasefire verification initiatives and spaces for inclusive political dialogue within the country. A lasting reduction of violence will depend to a great extent on such harmonization. In the context of MONUSCO’s gradual transition, it will be essential to ensure that this process moves forward responsibly, based on conditions on the ground and in close coordination with the Congolese authorities. Our country reaffirms its support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a fellow Council member, and for efforts aimed at building a lasting peace in the east of the country.

At the outset, I am pleased to express the Kingdom of Bahrain’s appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs and Senior Advisor for Africa, for presiding over this meeting and for the significant level of interest that this reflects in the issue of stability in the Great Lakes region. I would also like to extend my thanks to Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), for her valuable briefing, and we commend the efforts being made by the Mission in the face of complex challenges. We also welcome the participation of the representative of the Republic of Rwanda in today’s meeting. This meeting takes place at a time when the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is marked by a clear contradiction between diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the continuing tensions on the ground, which undermine the prospects of stability. On the diplomatic front, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the renewed momentum in support of the peace process, in particular the Doha and Washington processes, and the progress on operationalizing the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, alongside the mediation efforts led by the African Union and regional partners. These are fundamental pillars for strengthening regional coordination and supporting stability in the region. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain reiterates its call for full compliance with resolution 2773 (2025), an unconditional ceasefire and the guarantee of humanitarian access, while expressing concern about the continuing violations. Before turning to my country’s position, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of the United Nations staff member with UNICEF, Ms. Karine Buisset, who was killed, along with two others, following a drone attack on the city of Goma on 11 March. We affirm that the targeting of civilians and humanitarian workers is an unacceptable and unjustifiable violation, while emphasizing the need to safeguard their safety, which constitutes a legal and moral obligation that must not be undermined under any circumstances. The Kingdom of Bahrain wishes to emphasize three key messages. First, MONUSCO remains a cornerstone in supporting stability, and we stress the importance of ensuring it is fully empowered to carry out its mandate, particularly as it pertains to protecting civilians and supporting the ceasefire, in accordance with resolutions 2773 (2025) and 2808 (2025). Secondly, the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, remains a top priority, along with the need to ensure full humanitarian access and comply with international humanitarian law. Thirdly, the Kingdom of Bahrain concurs with the Secretary-General’s report in its condemnation of the activities carried out by the Mouvement du 23 mars and other armed groups, which continue to undermine stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this context, the report notes the continuation of hostilities and the escalation of violations against civilians, including as a result of military operations and the use of drones. This underscores the urgent need to halt the escalation. The Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the need for the escalation to cease immediately, the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be respected and the root causes of the conflict to be addressed. It also attaches the utmost importance to supporting and strengthening disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes as a key pathway to consolidating sustainable stability and rebuilding trust. The Kingdom of Bahrain firmly believes that there can be no military solution to the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and that comprehensive political dialogue remains the only path to achieving lasting peace. From this perspective, the Kingdom of Bahrain looks forward to the ongoing diplomatic efforts yielding tangible results that will alleviate the suffering of the Congolese people. Accordingly, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms that the fundamental principles of the international system, foremost among which are respect for State sovereignty and the protection of civilians, must be applied consistently and without selectivity. The credibility of the international system is measured not only by the principles that we espouse, but also by the extent to which we commit to implementing them. The responsibility is a collective one, and inaction is not an option. Based on this principle, we affirm that the brutal Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Arab States of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in the form of missile and drone strikes and targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations and undermine the foundations of regional security and stability. Respect for State sovereignty and the protection of civilians are not a choice to be made selectively; rather, they are indivisible legal and moral obligations that must remain the standard to which all crises are held, from the Great Lakes region to our own region. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its full commitment to supporting all international and regional efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region, thereby strengthening collective security and upholding human dignity everywhere.

We are pleased to see you presiding over this meeting, Mr. President, and I would also like to welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Rwanda in this meeting. I join colleagues in thanking the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing. We also thank the Secretary-General for his letter of 27 February (S/2026/105) and for the latest report on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/2026/208). Together, they provide an objective assessment of developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of the Mission’s prospective role in supporting ceasefire monitoring arrangements. The report underscores both the urgency of stabilizing the situation on the ground and the continued relevance of MONUSCO as an impartial force capable of supporting peace and advancing protection efforts in the current circumstances. Pakistan shares the concerns about the continued deterioration of the security situation in North and South Kivu. Despite commitments undertaken under the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars continues its offensives and territorial expansion. This trend undermines confidence in the peace processes and further complicates MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate. We stress the urgent need for full implementation of resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of the Mouvement du 23 mars from controlled areas and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Pakistan has taken note of the progress made towards operationalizing the ceasefire oversight and verification arrangements, including agreement on the terms of reference of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism and initial preparatory steps undertaken by MONUSCO, as mandated in resolution 2808 (2025). At the same time, it is clear that an actual ceasefire has not yet taken hold on the ground. In this context, the Secretary-General’s emphasis on a phased and conditions-based approach to MONUSCO’s role in ceasefire monitoring is both prudent and necessary. The conditions outlined in the Secretary-General’s letter, in particular those related to freedom of movement, access to key infrastructure and the safety and security of peacekeepers, are essential prerequisites for a meaningful role of MONUSCO in ceasefire monitoring. The safety and security of peacekeepers must remain central to any future decisions regarding MONUSCO’s deployment posture. The Secretary-General’s report also highlights the operational impact of contingency planning cuts on the Mission. In total, 2,674 troops, military experts, police personnel and civilian staff were repatriated or downsized. And out of the 11,500 troop strength sanctioned by the Council, only 7,879 remain on the ground to implement the mandate. These reductions in troops, civilian staffing and intelligence and surveillance capabilities have adversely impacted the implementation of the mandate and safety and security of the peacekeepers. We wonder why this important aspect has not been highlighted in the briefing today. We believe it is imperative that any additional responsibilities entrusted to MONUSCO, including potential ceasefire monitoring tasks, be matched with commensurate resources, including personnel and capabilities to implement the mandate effectively and safely. Pakistan believes that MONUSCO remains uniquely positioned to support stabilization efforts and protection of civilians. The Mission’s institutional experience, logistical reach and presence in key population centres are critical. We therefore are open to considering a strengthened role of MONUSCO, including in South Kivu, once conditions on the ground permit. Pakistan reiterates its support for ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a durable political solution. We recognize the centrality of the African Union-led facilitation efforts and the important roles played by Qatar under the Doha Framework, by the United States through the Washington agreement, and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region of Africa. We hope that these initiatives, mutually reinforcing and anchored in respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will bring durable peace and stability in the region.

Allow me to welcome you, Mr. President, to this Security Council meeting and to thank Deputy Special Representative Vivian van de Perre for her detailed briefing. Colombia appreciates the willingness to finding a negotiated solution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and in accordance with the principles of non-interference, good-neighbourliness and regional cooperation. In that regard, my country welcomes the outcomes of the high-level meeting held on 17 January in Lomé, which reaffirmed the central role of African-led efforts and agreed on a mediation framework and an operational work plan led by the African Union. We call for honouring what was agreed upon in diplomatic processes, including the Washington and Doha agreements, to advance towards a peace that benefits the entire Great Lakes region. It is incumbent upon the parties to demonstrate political will and fulfil their commitments, thereby creating the conditions necessary to allow the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to fully carry out its mandate and safely and effectively support the ceasefire verification architecture. Colombia is concerned about the continued deterioration of the security situation, in violation of resolution 2773 (2025). The reopening of the airports in Goma and Bukavu remains critical for full, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. We strongly condemn the recent attacks against civilians and humanitarian personnel, and we remind all parties of their obligation to strictly respect international humanitarian law. We would also like to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the events that occurred in Goma on 11 March. Colombia strongly supports the work of MONUSCO and highlights the Mission’s commitment to local and community-based mediation, including the training of 121 peace actors, 50 of whom are women. Likewise, my delegation values the efforts towards specialized training in the prevention of gender-based violence, conflict-related sexual violence and child protection, as well as the creation of a gender monitoring mechanism for the Washington and Doha processes. We hope that these efforts will continue under the leadership of Mr. James Swan, whose appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO we warmly welcome. We wish him every success in this role.

I join others in thanking you, Mr. Boulos, for presiding over this meeting today. My thanks also go to Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Van de Perre for her briefing. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom commends the leadership and mediation efforts of the United States, Qatar and the African Union towards delivering a durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We call on the parties to fully engage in these mediation processes and to ensure that, critically, progress in negotiations is reflected in improvements in security on the ground. In the same vein, it is essential that resolution 2773 (2025) is fully implemented, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the ending of Rwanda Defence Forces’ support to the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) and their withdrawal from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, the United Kingdom welcomes and supports the Secretary-General’s proposal for a phased, scalable and conditions-based approach for MONUSCO’s support to ceasefire monitoring, as authorized by resolution 2808 (2025). The United Kingdom urges the parties to de-escalate, to implement their commitments under the respective ceasefire agreements and to take steps to ensure that the conditions outlined by the Secretary-General for ceasefire monitoring are met. The United Kingdom calls on all parties to fully support MONUSCO’s operations and to create the conditions for a lasting peace. The responsibility for implementing the ceasefire ultimately rests with the parties. Finally, the United Kingdom expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian and protection crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including widespread conflict-related sexual violence. We condemn increasing drone strikes on civilians, including humanitarian workers and civilian infrastructure, and pass our condolences to the victims of the 11 March drone attack. We urge all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow full and unhindered humanitarian access in line with international law. We also call on the parties to enable the full reopening of Goma airport to enable humanitarian flights.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States of America. I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Van de Perre for her briefing and effective stewardship of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) over the past several months. In that regard, I also want to welcome the appointment of James Swan as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO. Let me first underscore that resolving the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is a matter of the highest priority for President Trump and Secretary Rubio. Their strong leadership and sustained commitment have helped to move the region beyond decades of violence and failed diplomacy towards a new era of hope and opportunity. The joint declaration on the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity Between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, signed on 4 December 2025 at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, marks a decisive shift by linking security and economic cooperation as mutually reinforcing pillars of peace. The Accords established robust security coordination mechanisms to address violations, resolve disputes and monitor progress. Importantly, the Washington Accords also established a launch pad for the broader peace process. We all recognize that resolving a conflict as complex and deep-rooted as that in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo will not happen overnight. It will require patience, sustained engagement and a collective effort by the parties themselves, African partners and the wider international community. The Accords are built on a good-faith commitment by both countries and both leaders to move beyond confrontation and towards a path of dialogue, cooperation and lasting stability. In parallel, the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement provides a complementary track, focusing on direct engagement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) armed group to address immediate sources of violence. We thank the Government of Qatar for its vital facilitation of the Doha process. These efforts are strengthened by the African Union’s (AU) mediation process, led by President Lourenço of Angola and Togolese President Gnassingbé. By engaging civil society, armed groups and humanitarian actors on the ground, the AU’s mediation will help to make the peace sustainable. All these processes are essential and complementary, and the United States remains actively engaged in supporting their implementation and that of resolution 2773 (2025). These efforts have already yielded important progress, including the establishment of new channels for dialogue and verification. These achievements demonstrate that sustained engagement and robust mechanisms can produce tangible results, even in a complex environment. At the same time, we remain clear-eyed about the challenges that remain. We are deeply disappointed by Rwanda’s recent escalation of the conflict, which constitutes a direct violation of its obligations under the Washington Accords. That is why the United States took the unprecedented step earlier this month of imposing targeted sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior RDF generals. We will continue to explore all available tools to promote the accountability of those who undermine peace. We reiterate our call for the lifting of defensive measures and the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also call for full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the same time, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has committed to immediately neutralizing the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda, at least in the areas under its control. These steps are essential to addressing the security concerns that have fuelled mistrust and instability in the region. Lasting peace will also require the restoration of full State authority by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo throughout the Kivus. The Congolese people must be able to rely on their legitimate institutions to provide security, governance and basic services in these regions. We must also directly confront one of the most enduring drivers of conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: the systematic looting of the region’s natural resources. For decades, armed groups, criminal networks and external actors have exploited eastern Congo’s mineral wealth through illicit extraction and trafficking. These resources have been diverted into illegal supply chains that enrich armed groups and other actors, sustain violence and undermine legitimate governance. This predatory exploitation has deprived the Congolese people of the benefits of their own natural wealth, while fuelling instability across the Great Lakes region. It has enabled a shadow economy that has persisted for far too long. Any durable peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo must therefore include serious efforts to dismantle these illicit trafficking networks, strengthen transparency and accountability in the natural resources sector and ensure that the Congo’s extraordinary wealth benefits its people, rather than perpetuating conflict. Let me also express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the French humanitarian worker killed and all those affected by the 11 March attack in Goma. We call on the parties to ensure all armed actors, including private military contractors, immediately halt drone strikes on static or retreating forces and in highly urbanized areas. As the parties move forward with implementation, MONUSCO remains indispensable to the success of the peace process. We commend MONUSCO’s facilitation last month, together with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, of a joint exploratory assessment mission to Uvira for the purposes of ceasefire monitoring. The Mission is fully prepared to expand its role in ceasefire monitoring and verification, as outlined in the Secretary-General’s letter of 27 February (S/2026/105). We fully support such a phased expansion for the purposes of ceasefire implementation. However, it remains incumbent on the parties to create the required conditions by implementing their obligations and commitments. This includes respecting the ceasefire that has been in place since the 19 July 2025 declaration of principles between the M23 and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the challenges ahead are significant, the frameworks now in place provide a credible and enforceable path towards lasting peace. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that progress is sustained and that the hopes of the Congolese people and the broader region are realized. In closing, I hope that MONUSCO, the international community and the people of the region will join me in recognizing President Trump’s personal dedication and leadership in addressing this critical issue. The White House continues to follow developments with great attention, and the United States will remain a committed partner in advancing peace, security and prosperity for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and the entire Great Lakes region. I resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda.

I thank you, Mr. President, for your presence today and for your personal efforts in this mediation role. I thank you for giving me the floor, and I thank the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing today. I also welcome the appointment of Mr. Swan to this role, and we pledge the support of Rwanda throughout his term. Rwanda fully supports a peaceful and political resolution of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a clear focus on addressing the root causes of the protracted challenges facing the region. We remain committed to engaging constructively in efforts aimed at achieving a durable and sustainable solution. The conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is not of Rwanda’s making. Rwanda’s concern has always been the Forces démocratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) and the genocidal ideology that it espouses, an ideology that is now spreading in public discourse. The FDLR is not an ordinary armed group. It is a genocidal force, founded by remnants of those responsible for the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda, and its genocidal ideology has never changed. For Rwanda, it remains an ever-present threat, particularly given the devastation that our country suffered as a result of that ideology. After 31 years of discussion in this Chamber on the origins and intentions of the FDLR, there should not be any ambiguity. This is a group whose intent is to exterminate a people. Let me therefore be clear: addressing the threat of the FDLR is indispensable to any credible and lasting solution to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. This group must be neutralized, and its ideology and the vectors thereof, such as hate speech, must be eradicated. Turning to the broader situation described in the Secretary-General’s report, it is clear that the developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are also shaped by internal dynamics that require Congolese-led solutions and sustained attention to the root causes of the conflict. In this regard, the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement provides an important platform for dialogue aimed at addressing these internal drivers of instability. Progress in this process is therefore essential. Progress in the Doha process, advancing in parallel with the implementation of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, will be critical to achieving a durable ceasefire and creating the conditions for a sustainable political settlement. It is through this peace process that long-standing historical issues, including those affecting minority groups, will be addressed in a definitive manner. This track also provides the framework to finally resolve enduring challenges, such as the dignified return of refugees, who have remained in camps for nearly three decades. There are 300,000 of them in the region, and many others in Western countries. Equally important is the role of partners supporting these processes, and we thank the United States Government, the Government of Qatar and the African Union for their efforts in the mediation process. The success of these efforts will depend on continued engagement that is impartial and firmly grounded in facts and verifiable evidence. Decisions and actions taken in support of peace must ensure that all parties remain equally bound by the commitments that they have made. Enforcement and support mechanisms should apply equally and justly to all parties. In other words, enforcement and support mechanisms for these peace processes must not only be even-handed; they should also be seen to be even-handed. The Secretary-General’s report highlights the rising number of protection incidents and the devastating humanitarian consequences of ongoing hostilities. Recent months have also seen an escalation in the use of drone strikes and other aerial attacks in populated areas. As the report notes, such attacks have already resulted in civilian casualties, including the tragic strike in Goma earlier this month that killed a humanitarian worker and other civilians. While not all incidents received the same level of international attention, communities across the high plateaus and other affected areas continue to bear the consequences of escalating aerial attacks. Allow me, in all humility, to mention just some of these attacks, so that they can be included in the records of the Council and possibly inform Council members in their future deliberations. On 22 January, 24 January, 12 February, 7 March, 9 March, 19 March and as recently as yesterday, there were drone strikes in the area of Minembwe and in some parts of North Kivu. In all these attacks, civilians were killed, all their lifelines were severed, their cows were killed, and residents were unable to go out and do their farming. I hope that these, too, will be considered. And the dates are of the essence. Allow me to conclude by reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity and our continued support for the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The agreements reached under these processes must now be translated into concrete progress on the ground. The effective functioning of the agreed monitoring mechanisms will be critical to building confidence, ensuring accountability and supporting the full implementation of these commitments. If we remain focused on implementation and on addressing the root causes of this conflict, we have a genuine opportunity to move towards a durable and lasting peace in the region. Rwanda pledges that it will play its part honestly and fully.

Mr. President, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes you, Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to President Trump for African and Arab Affairs. We also thank Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for her briefing. We also take this opportunity to pay tribute to MONUSCO personnel, who continue to carry out their duties in particularly difficult and dangerous conditions. On behalf of my Government, allow me to extend my sincerest condolences to France, the United Nations, the broader humanitarian family and the families of the four people brutally killed in the incident on 11 March — Ms. Karine Buisset, French national and UNICEF executive, who dedicated her life to serving humankind, along with three Congolese nationals. My Government is following the situation closely and thoroughly verifying the events to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy, which occurred in Goma, a city that is currently under the control of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23), which is backed by Rwanda. For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel remains an ongoing priority. I had not intended to speak at this stage, especially following the statement of position by the three African members of the Security Council (A3), of which we are a part. However, upon hearing the statement by the representative of Rwanda, I feel compelled to say a few words in my national capacity. Accordingly, we align ourselves with the statement made by the A3, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo expresses its deep indignation at the continued hostilities in the eastern part of its territory, in flagrant violation of the commitments made under the Washington and Doha processes. The Secretary-General’s report is unambiguous. The Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) offensives continue, with the support of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This was established at the highest level of the United Nations, confirming a serious violation of my country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the ground, this M23-RDF coalition continues to occupy Congolese locations, establish parallel administrations and threaten further military advances. The consequences for the civilian population are dire. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, including women and children, millions of people have been displaced, and serious and widespread human rights violations are being documented, with the M23 identified as the primary perpetrator of these abuses. In Goma and Bukavu and throughout the territory controlled by Rwandan forces, the life expectancy of young Congolese has dropped to 24 hours, which constitutes a veritable genocide that must be stopped. These acts cannot be downplayed. They are not mere incidents but serious violations of international law and a direct challenge to the authority of the Security Council. In this context, the Democratic Republic of the Congo calls for the immediate, full and comprehensive implementation of resolution 2773 (2025), specifically the withdrawal of the Rwanda Defence Force from Congolese territory and the immediate cessation of hostilities by the M23. Compliance with Security Council decisions cannot be optional. The Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes to reaffirm the central importance of MONUSCO as a pillar of civilian protection and stabilization. In the current stage, its role in the ceasefire framework is decisive. Its participation in the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism, its support for the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and its technical contributions are essential elements for ensuring the credibility of the process. Strengthening MONUSCO’s role in monitoring the ceasefire is essential to guarantee transparency, independent verification and accountability of the parties. In this regard, my country emphasizes the need to guarantee the Mission’s full freedom of movement, lifting all restrictions in areas under M23 control and providing adequate resources to enable it to fully exercise its mandate. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also reaffirms its constant, sincere and good-faith commitment to the ongoing political processes. We remain fully committed to the Washington and Doha processes, as well as to all regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace. We reiterate our full and unwavering support for the mediation led by the African Union, which remains essential in the search for a political solution. In this regard, we welcome the role of the African Union mediator. We commend the Togolese mediator for his sustained efforts, as well as all the facilitators and partners involved, in particular the African Union, the United States, Qatar and regional organizations. We call for redoubled efforts to strengthen coordination among the various initiatives and to maintain constant pressure on the parties that persist in violating their commitments. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also notes with satisfaction the measures adopted by certain international partners, in particular the European Union and the United States, through sanctions targeting officials responsible for destabilizing the region. These measures send an important signal and must be strengthened to put an end to impunity. The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its legitimate right to fully restore its authority throughout its territory. No lasting solution can be envisaged without strict respect for its territorial integrity, the dismantling of parallel administrations and effective restoration of State authority. My Government’s position is clear. There can be no peace without upholding our sovereignty, there can be no credible process without the implementation of commitments, and there can be no stability without accountability. The Democratic Republic of the Congo lacks neither will nor commitment. What is expected today is resolute, consistent and collective action to ensure compliance with the Council’s decisions and to put an end to the suffering of the Congolese people. The time for declarations of intent is over; it is time for action. Finally, without taking too much of the Council’s time, allow me to respond briefly to what the representative of Rwanda has just said, in particular regarding the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR) and hate speech. These are issues we have addressed many times, so I will not dwell on them. I would simply like to say that the FDLR, which the representative of Rwanda mentioned, are Rwandan citizens, and most of them are located in territory currently controlled by Rwanda — that is, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Goma and Bukavu areas. We have agreed to cooperate in this effort to bring peace to our country, and we are prepared to fulfil the obligations that fall upon us in this regard. The hate speech that was mentioned is something that surprises us, because Rwanda has taken it upon itself to invade the territory of an entire country yet complains about hate speech, even as it carries out genocide on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Regarding the exploitation of natural resources, it took us 30 years to convince the Council that the minerals exported by Rwanda are mined in Congolese territory. Thank God the truth has finally triumphed. Today, I believe the Council, as well as the whole international community, has understood. I will not take any more of the Council’s time, as I stated.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. Before adjourning the meeting, as this is the last scheduled meeting of the Council for the month of March, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the delegation of the United States of America to the members of the Council and to the secretariat of the Council for all the support they have given us. Indeed, it has been a busy month and one in which we rallied to consensus on several important issues within our purview. We could not have done it alone and without the hard work, support and positive contributions of every delegation and the representatives of the Secretariat, including the technical support team, conference service officers, interpreters, translators, verbatim reporters and security staff. As we end our presidency, I know I speak on behalf of the Council in wishing the delegation of Bahrain good luck in the month of April.