The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 10008th meeting

The 10,008th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. The provisional agenda for this meeting is the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agenda is adopted. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Bintou Gaita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I wish to draw attention of the Council members to documents S/2025/590, the report of Secretary General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Now I give the floor to Ms. Bintu Gaita.

Ms. Bintu Gaita: Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council, His Excellency the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, His Excellency the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda. I thank you for the opportunity to brief this Council. Peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still mostly a promise. There are discrepancies between the progress we see on paper and the reality we observe on the ground, which continues to be marred with violence.

Allow me, first of all, to underscore the progress that has been achieved since 27th of June. Several important milestones have been reached. Several countries and organizations from the region, including the United States, Qatar, African Union, East African Community and the Southern African Development Community have been involved in a very concrete way to promote peace. The parties to the conflict are also involved in peace negotiations. Following the signature of the Washington Agreement on 27 June, two meetings of the Joint Monitoring Mechanism and the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism were held. The negotiations in Doha have resumed. They have led to a signature in July of a declaration of principle between the government of the DRC and the AfC M23. Facilitators from the African Union were able to meet women, community leaders, and representatives of civil society. All these are essential actors to achieve an inclusive peace. However, peace has been slow to be felt on the ground. Since June, MONUSCO has recorded some 1,087 civilians killed during violence in the areas of Ituri and North Kivu, and this toll is growing day by day. Mr. President, Within the country, an initiative aimed at promoting internal dialogue has been seen as led by the main religious confessions and supported by President Felix Tshisekedi. It has already produced concrete results. A roadmap published in August is a decisive step. Expanding the civic space and strengthening social cohesion are extremely important. Without this, the general elections of 2028 will not be able to take place in an atmosphere of security and trust. I call on all political leaders to demonstrate tolerance, to condemn hate speech wherever it comes from, to opt for dialogue. At the same time, I urge the population of the country to refrain from engaging in such rhetoric and not to spread disinformation and misinformation.

On 21st February, this Council sent a clear message to all parties through the adoption of resolution 2773. In particular, the resolution called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and urged the AFCM23 to stop fighting, withdraw from Goma, Bukavu, and all other controlled areas, and end its parallel administration. Eight months later, the key provisions of Resolution 2773 remained largely unimplemented, despite the Council's request. the AFCM23 have continued to pursue a logic of territorial expansion and consolidation. Since taking Goma, the AFCM23 have replaced formal institutions with alternative structures, leaving institutions across North and South Kivu provinces weakened. More than 7,000 new recruits have undergone military training over the past seven months in AFC M23 camps. From June onwards, MONUSCO has received numerous requests for personal protection in AFC M23 controlled territories. In Rutsuru territory, July was the deadliest month since the group's resurgence end of November 21. This underscores the persisting gap between the decisions of this Council and the realities on the ground. I call upon the Council and all partners to bring about a permanent ceasefire and a durable peace agreement that will establish stability in eastern DRC. Only then will commitments be translated into meaningful progress for the people. MONUSCO, for its part, remains fully committed to supporting ongoing peace efforts and stands ready to play its role in supporting the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, provided it receives a clear mandate from this Council and the resources to match expectations. Monsieur le Président,

Mr. President, nevertheless, the violence is not the domain of a single armed group. The Allied Democratic Forces, ADF, have continued their attacks in North Kivu and in Ituri. Linked to the Islamic State province of Central Africa, the ADF have executed some 300 civilians over the past three months. the idea of targeted solemn occasions such as religious services and funerals. Men, women, and children have been killed, wounded, or abducted. In Ituri, also the Clashes between the Convention for Popular Revolution, CRP, and the Congolese army have also added to the heavy toll. Attacks by the Cooperative for the Development of Congo, CODECO, continue, and unfortunately, civilians are trapped in the crossfire. During the night between Sunday and Monday, MONUSCO had to shelter some 3,500 people. people in its base at Gena after clashes between the CRP and the FARDC. In this context, I urge all armed groups that have taken part in the Aru 2 peace dialogue in Ituri to live up to their commitments and to release the 400 children that they still detain. In South Kivu, the situation with human rights is extremely concerning. Although this province is no covered by the operational mandate of MONUSCO since July of 2024, the situation unfolding there requires the attention of the Council. The Wazalendo and allied armed groups continue to operate in complete impunity, and grave violations and abuses of human rights have persisted. MONUSCO continues to record very serious abuses and violations, including sexual violence related to conflict We know, however, that all the cases have not been registered. In the areas controlled by AFC M23, restrictions on the freedom of movement further reduce our ability to conduct inquiries on the ground. The Joint UN Office for Human Rights must have access to these areas in order to monitor the human rights situation in conformity with the mandate entrusted to it by the Council. On this point, I would encourage the deployment of an independent fact-finding mission immediately, although financing for it is still pending.

Challenging environment restricts the mission's ability to implement its mandate. Obstacles undermine our protection efforts, especially in Goma and other areas under AFC M23 control. Fuel and food supplies are delayed. Many troop rotations are still blocked. Exhausted contingents remain in place for several months. Electricity and water cuts cripple bases and life support systems. Goma airport is still closed. It is essential that contingent rotations resume in full, that movement restrictions be lifted, and that access to critical infrastructure be guaranteed. Without these conditions, in Goma, Monusco cannot fully deliver the protection mandate entrusted by this Council. in this area. Humanitarian actors also have their own struggles, roadblocks, shrinking access, and attacks. Here lies another critical discrepancy. Civilians in urgent need of assistance while aid delivery is constrained. Despite this complex setting, MONUSCO continues to protect civilians where possible. Our bases shelter communities under imminent threat. On 18 September, at least 600 women, men, girls, and boys took shelter in trenches at the MONUSCO base in Drodro during clashes between CODECO and Zaire. Joint patrols with FRDC in North Kivu along the Beni-Herengeti route deterred armed groups and increased protection for villagers and displaced people. Beyond these immediate responses, MONUSCO's broader presence also provides communities a greater sense of safety. During the last visit to Eastern DRC in September of the Undersecretary General for Peace Operation, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, we witnessed first hand how the mission's presence helps contain other attacks and offers communities much needed respite. Peacekeepers are engaged in clearing explosive hazards, practical steps that make daily life safer for the population. The Joint Human Rights Office handled over 500 protection cases this year. It safeguarded journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders. It assisted almost 400 victims of conflict-related sexual violence in Goma and Bukavu. Local partners ensured continuity of psychosocial support. The mission activated hotlines in conflict-affected areas. Victims can now have access to urgent care. Beyond immediate protection, we see other signs of progress. Consultations between the mission and the leadership of the Ugandan People's Defense Force, UPDF, have improved coordination and reduced risk of overlap in operations. With MONUSCO support, 12 foreign ex-combatants affiliated with the FDLR and the Nyatura armed group and their 17 dependents were repatriated. In Jugu and Irumu, 300 ex-combatants and 622 community members now have better chances for long-term reintegration through the mission support projects. MONUSCO also supports communities directly. In Bunia, the women-led collective de femmes de Litorie brought some Hema and Lendu communities together. Thanks to their mediation, tensions eased, and both groups now share grazing lands and markets without incident. This is fragile progress, but progress that matters. This model deserves support and replication. On security sector reform, I welcome the new police programming law signed in July by President Tshisekedi. It is a 2.55 billion plan to professionalize and modernize the Congolese National Police by 2030. The law calls for major investment in infrastructure, recruitment, training, and capacity building. Despite challenges, MONUSCO support, also judicial authorities, in Lubero, North Kivu, we established mobile courts. 20 FRDC soldiers were convicted for sexual violence. step toward greater accountability. But peace will not last if the underlying drivers of conflict are not addressed. Illegal mining, looting of natural resources, and illicit financial flows continue to fuel violence. These activities must be stopped.

Mr. President, the security situation is becoming increasingly complex. As the world marks the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325, Congolese women must be included in any solution. Their voices and contributions are essential to build a lasting peace in the eastern part of the country and in the Great Lakes region. involvement of MONUSCO, though meaningful, cannot alone respond to all the urgent needs on the ground. In a context marked by a new outbreak of the Ebola epidemic in the province of Kasai, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reached a critical threshold. To date, the humanitarian response plan has only received 15.2% of required financing, compared to 41% percent at the same time last year. The withdrawal of certain major donors has led to a collapse in financing. As a result, over 27.7 million people are facing food insecurity, including 5.7 million in Ituri and North Kivu. In certain places, aid has been suspended. Fewer people will receive assistance, for others, their rations will be reduced. Maternal mortality is increasing. The gap is growing between vital needs and the resources available.

The many gaps I have described today affect negatively the population. Closing the gaps is not optional. It is the only way to protect lives and give peace a chance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Resolutions matter only if they are matched by concrete actions on the ground. If we fail to close these gaps, millions of civilians will continue to pay the price. I thank you.

I thank Ms. Gaita for her briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of France.

Thank you, President. At the outset, I would like to thank SRSG Ms. Bindu Keita for her specific and clear-sighted comments. We reiterate France’s support for her work and the work of MONUSCO. As we heard, the situation on the ground is continuing to deteriorate, despite the agreements generated by the diplomatic processes underway, which we commend and support. Armed groups continue to attack civilians, at the same time as we see violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The figures attest to the urgency of the humanitarian situation: 7 million IDPs, 1.2 million people seeking refuge in neighboring countries, 28 million people suffering from malnutrition, of which 5 million children, according to the Congolese authorities, a 16 percent rise in sexual violence as of Q1 2025, a third of them girls under 16. And as Ms. Bintou Keita said, large-scale violations of human rights on top of that. But this should not prompt resignation, but rather the opposite. We must renew the Council's support for peace efforts. France applauds once again the involvement of the US, Qatar, Togo, and the AU, sub-regional organizations, and facilitators in these efforts. I would like to make three points. First, an unconditional, effective, and verifiable ceasefire is the priority. MINUSCO is called upon to play an operational role in verifying such a ceasefire, as well as in supporting the implementation of peace accords. MINUSCO is the only international force that’s already there on the ground, endowed with the capacity and the expertise that we need. Its role was sketched out by resolution 2773, the Washington Agreement, and the Doha Declaration of Principles. Second, the comprehensive implementation of resolution 2773 remains an obligation, which is binding on all parties. The aforementioned resolution highlights the main conflict resolution parameters: the withdrawal of Rwandan Defence Forces from Congolese territory, the neutralization of the FDLR, an end to support furnished to armed groups, including that furnished by the Rwandan Defence Forces, the M23. France encourages all parties to uphold in good faith their commitments so that we can make concrete progress on implementation. We support the ongoing exchanges between the Congolese Government and the M23 in Doha with a view to agreeing a peace agreement, in keeping with our objective that is restoring state authority of the RDC. Respect for Congolese sovereignty and territorial integrity is non-negotiable. The ongoing territorial expansion of the M23 and the establishment of illegal parallel administrations Third, France reiterates its unswerving support for MONUSCO and for the implementation of its mandate, the mandate being to protect civilians. ensuring that MONUSCO is endowed with the necessary resources to fulfil that mandate. We call for the immediate lifting of all impediments on MONUSCO’s activities. The renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate in December will be a crucial step. We call on the Secretary-General to include in his next quarterly report recommendations on the implementation of the mandate in light of developments on the ground, and also information covering any adjustments that may be necessary to ensure the mission performs well. Last but not least, we welcome the progress mentioned by Ms. Keita regarding the national dialogue and the contribution that civil society and churches are making. We underscore the good office's role played by MONUSCO in this context. President, by way of conclusion, let me repeat that the situation is very complex, but this should not dissuade us. It should buttress our support. We need to find a solution to the conflict and to give back hope to civilians in the region. This is why, next month, in Paris, France will be bringing together all those in a position to respond to the humanitarian emergency and to ensure the various peace initiatives converge. As Emmanuel Macron said and has addressed to the General Assembly, we have no right to lose heart. I thank you.

I thank the representative of France for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Guyana.

Mr. President, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ members, namely Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and my own country, Guyana. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on major developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We commend the Special Representative, Ms. Bintou Keita, and the men and women of MONUSCO for their continued service under difficult circumstances. We also thank SRSg Keita for her comprehensive briefing. The A3+ welcomes the recent positive political developments, including the government reshuffle by President Felix Temeng. Chishekedi, which broadened political inclusivity by incorporating opposition and civil society members into strategic positions. We also take positive note of the roadmap for an inclusive national dialogue with the involvement of religious denominations. These initiatives, if fully implemented, will help strengthen governance, trust, and national ownership of peace processes. We further welcome the signing of the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Doha Declaration between the DRC Government and the AfCM23. These peace agreements present important frameworks for de-escalating hostilities, advancing disarmament, and promoting regional integration. The A3+ underscores the importance of sustained political will by all parties, coupled with harmonization of African Union, EAC, and SADC peace efforts. We also call on other international initiatives to align with and reinforce this African-led process so as to ensure coherence, strengthen coordination, and maximize collective support to peace and security. Mr. President, We remain deeply concerned by the alarming increase in violence against civilians, with a 122% rise in fatalities attributed mainly to M23, ADF, and other armed groups. MONUSCO’s efforts to expand patrols, strengthen early warning systems, and shelter displaced civilians are commendable, but restrictions on its freedom of movement undermine its ability to protect communities. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all parties, particularly armed groups, to cease attacks on civilians and lift restrictions on MONUSCO’s operations. The A3+ is equally troubled by the human rights situation. MONUSCO’s documentation of over 1,100 violations, including summary executions, abductions, and sexual violence, is deeply alarming. We stress the importance of accountability for all perpetrators, strengthening judicial institutions, and ensuring the protection of journalists, women, and children. Mr. President, the humanitarian situation remains dire. With 5.3 million people displaced, 27.7 million facing food insecurity, and outbreaks of cholera and Ebola, the crisis demands urgent and sustained attention. Yet, humanitarian funding remains woefully inadequate, with less than 15% of the required resources secured. The A3+ calls for increased international solidarity and contributions to bridge this gap. We also reiterate the urgent need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities. On stabilization and reforms. We commend MONUSCO’s support for disarmament, reintegration, and vocational training of ex-combatants, as well as the Government’s progress on security sector reform, notably the 2.5 billion police programming law. These are important steps towards building durable institutions that can deliver peace dividends to the Congolese people. We stress the urgent reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports to enable safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The closure of these facilities has severely disrupted aid delivery at a time when millions face displacement, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks. Ensuring rapid and secure humanitarian corridors is vital to reaching affected populations with life-saving assistance. The A3+ recognizes MONUSCO’s achievements and efforts, despite severe operational challenges, budgetary cuts, restricted movement, and the closure of Goma Airport. The mission continues to play a critical role in protecting civilians, supporting political processes, and enabling stabilization. The A3+ stresses that any drawdown or reconfiguration must be conditions-based, responsible, and aligned with progress on the ground to avoid creating a security vacuum. In this regard, we welcome the meetings that USG Lacroix had with President Tshisekedi, other senior government officials, and representatives of opposition political parties in Kinshasa between the 3rd and 7th of September 2025. We are gravely concerned about the severe financial constraints facing MONUSCO, which risk undermining its capacity to deliver on its core mandate of civilian protection, support to political processes, and stabilization. We therefore urge all Member States to meet their financial obligations in full and on time to ensure the mission has the resources required to continue its critical work. We also welcome the emphasis on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly the advocacy for the inclusion of women in peace processes. Their full participation is essential to achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation. Mr. President, in light of the Secretary General’s recommendations, the A3+ wishes to highlight the following points: First, parties must fully implement the Washington and Doha agreements. And the Council should lend its full support to the AU, EAC, and SADC efforts at harmonization of all peace initiatives. Second, MONUSCO must be granted unrestricted freedom of movement, and its protection of civilians mandate must be adequately resourced. Third, the international community must urgently close the humanitarian funding gap and scale up support for displaced populations, particularly women and children. Fourth, accountability for human rights violations must be pursued without exception, with strengthened support for national institutions of justice and rule of law. Fifth and final, illegal mineral exploitation and other root causes of the conflict must be addressed through effective governance, responsible resource management, and strengthened regional cooperation. Mr. President, in closing, the A3+ reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people and government of the DRC and calls for respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The A3+ will continue to support all efforts to end violence, uphold human rights, and ensure that peace agreements translate into meaningful progress on the ground. The Security Council must remain seized of the matter, committed to reinforcing African-led solutions and accompanying the Congolese people on their path to lasting peace, stability, and development. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Guyana for the statement. Now I will give the floor to the representative of China. Zhu Xi.

President. I thank SRSG Keita for the briefing and welcome the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to this meeting. Recently, the security situation in eastern DRC has remained tense, and its humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate. The international community should spare no effort without delay to lift millions of people in eastern DRC from their sufferings and bring them the dawn of lasting peace. First, we call for cessation of hostilities. In the recent past, the conflicts in eastern DRC were eased in terms of intensity. However, M23 is still fortifying military deployment and occupying more towns. Sporadic exchanges of fire have claimed hundreds of innocent lives. China reiterates that Council Resolution 2773 must be implemented, that acts of harming civilians and violating IHL must end. and that indiscriminate killing of innocent lives must be held accountable. All parties must make a lasting ceasefire an overwhelming premise and cease any actions that might lead to escalation. Second, we call for dialogue and negotiations in good faith. The recent implementation of the peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda has been lagging, with future prospects being uncertain. China encourages DRC, Rwanda, and others to demonstrate political will and honor their commitments in earnest. The international community must continue to support the mediation by Qatar and facilitate a consensus on the peace agreement between M23 and DRC as soon as possible. China commends the UN, AU, and subregional organizations for their contribution to peace in eastern DRC and supports strengthened coordination among all parties and synergy in their mediation. Third, we call for the alleviation of the humanitarian crisis. The humanitarian situation in DRC is one of the most pressing global crises. Protracted conflicts and turmoil have caused massive civilian displacement. The parties concerned are obligated to ensure that the humanitarian corridors stay safe and unhindered. Obstructing humanitarian relief work runs counter to international law. Humanitarian response for DRC is facing a huge funding gap. The international community, traditional donors in particular, should provide more financial support to meet the basic survival needs of the local population.

Fourth.

We call for ensuring fulfillment of peacekeeping mandates. As of now, MONUSCO remains under movement restrictions, which have severely hindered material supply and personnel rotation, endangering the supply of water, electricity, and fuel. MONUSCO, a peacekeeping operation authorized by the Council, undertakes important tasks such as POC. China calls on the relevant parties to lift restrictions on MONUSCO and stop threats to peacekeepers to ensure effective implementation of MONUSCO's mandates. The Council should consider in a timely manner adjusting MONUSCO's mandates and deployment to enable it to better adapt to the changes on the ground. President, for quite some time, SRSG Kater has been leading MONUSCO to overcome difficulties and actively perform its duties. China will continue to support SRSG and MONUSCO in their efforts to promote security and stability in DRC. As a good friend of the countries in the region, China remains committed to working with all parties and making unremitting efforts to restore peace and stability and achieve development and prosperity in the region. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, SRS Gkeita, for your briefing today and for your leadership of MONUSCO. The United States supports MONUSCO and the role it plays in advancing peace and stability in the DRC. In that vein, we too strongly condemn the continued obstruction of MONUSCO's operations, particularly by M23 and the Rwandan Defense Forces in Northern Kivu, in North Kivu. Such actions, we agree, are absolutely unacceptable. They undermine MONUSCO's mandate, and they prolong the suffering of the people in the region. We, too, demand M23 and RDF cease obstruction of MONUSCO immediately. which they have committed to do under the Washington and Doha processes, and will allow MONUSCO to carry out its work without interference. The United States remains committed to the implementation of the DRC-Rwanda peace agreement, the Washington Accords, which President Trump is proud to have facilitated. just this year. Uh, this implementation is underway with regular meetings now of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and the Joint Oversight Committee established, uh, by these accords and by this agreement. The U.S. expects the complete and timely implementation of all elements of the agreement to advance peace, stability, prosperity in eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. We would also like, uh, to highlight the importance of the African Union role in supporting the implementation of the peace agreement, and we call on all members to support its work. We also want to highlight and appreciate Qatar's ongoing mediation of negotiations between the DRC and AFC/M23 in Doha, which are critical to achieving stability in eastern DRC, we are lending our full support to bringing the Doha negotiations to a successful conclusion. As we prepare for MINUSCO’s upcoming mandate renewal, the United States is committed to working with fellow Council members to ensure the mission’s mandate is fit for purpose. and that the mission reflects the realities of the current operating environment. This will enable the mission to become more efficient. It needs to become more effective. It needs to eliminate some of the unnecessary expenses and redundancies, thereby creating better value for the contributing nations. and enabling it to better support peace, stability, and the aspirations of the people of the DRC. Thank you.

Representative of the United States for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Mr. President, I also want to thank SRG Keita for her briefing today, and I welcome the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Rwanda. in the chamber. We have heard both encouraging developments and grave warning. Eastern DRC remains a turning point. What is at stake now to move from peace as a promise to a sustained peace is credibility, credible dialogue, credible commitments, credible restraint on the ground, and credible protection for civilians. Mr. President, recent months brought notable steps in mediation efforts, the Washington Peace Agreement, the Doha Declaration of Principles, and the establishment of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and Joint Oversight Committee. We welcome all these steps. They must be implemented in lockstep and harmonized. with African-led efforts after the AU, SADC, and EAC track, so that the political understandings translate into verifiable security measures. The architecture is being established. Harmonization will be the key for results that are consistent, credible, and sustained. And this raises a very important point: credible and good faith conduct by conflict actors. Parties entering mediation must demonstrate it in deeds, measured by behavior, not only in communiques. That includes withdrawal of forces, as well as neutralization of FDLR. So, colleagues, true peace shows in restraint, not expansion. Yet ongoing actions by M23, reportedly supported by Rwanda Defense Forces, are not compatible with de-escalation. Expanding territorial control and deepening parallel administrative structures erode the very confidence needed to sustain credible dialogue. Meanwhile, civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden. The latest reporting period recorded a rise in civilian fatalities, largely from N23 and ADF operations. The humanitarian situation is among the most severe globally, yet access is obstructed and humanitarian operations crippled by insecurity, restrictions, and the continued closure of vital infrastructure such as Goma Airport. Our position remains clear. We condemn in the strongest terms the targeting of civilians and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian activities. Impunity cannot prevail. Accountability must form part of any credible settlement. Mr. President, a sustainable way forward includes credible national dialogue, inclusive by design and anchored in accountability. We join those welcoming steps in that direction. Inclusivity is not a slogan. It means full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at every stage. Women peacebuilders and mediators must co-shape the outcomes. MONUSCO continues to have a vital role in protecting civilians and supporting conditions for progress, yet the mission is systematically undermined. Freedom of movement denied in areas outside government control, water and electricity to its bases cut, fuel and rest supply obstructed, the closure of Goma airport crippling operations. These restrictions are unacceptable. They strip credibility from peace efforts and must be lifted without delay. Mr. President, in conclusion, this Council's expectations are clear, particularly through Resolution 2773: cease hostilities, ensure full and unhindered access for MONUSCO and humanitarian actors, implement commitments in good faith, and place civilians at the center. Anything less prolongs suffering and undermines the credibility of peace. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Slovenia for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. And let me also thank SRSG Keita, and through her, the brave women and men of MONUSCO who continue to work under extremely challenging circumstances in support of peace in the DRC. I’d also like to welcome the participation of the representatives of Rwanda and DRC in this meeting. Mr. President, allow me to raise four key points. First, the situation in eastern DRC remains critical. As we’ve heard today, the M23 continues to displace, rape, wound, and kill civilians across the region. Denmark condemns in the strongest terms the repeated summary executions by M23 in Rutshura territory in North Kivu and the military operations in Ituri. We must, however, remain cognizant that the violence against civilians is not only committed by M23, but a myriad of armed groups, including also the Wazalendo and the Allied Democratic Forces. These reported acts of violence are not only cruel and brutal. are in clear violation of international humanitarian law. They must cease immediately. All parties in eastern DRC must protect civilians and comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We call for all perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation or nationality, to be held accountable. We reiterate our call to Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern DRC and to end all support to the M23. We equally call on the DRC to cease all support to the FDLR and associated militias. Second, Mr. President, this insecurity is taking place against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian situation where sexual and gender-based violence is rampant, where millions of civilians are facing acute food insecurity, where limited aid and medical supplies in the region are regularly looted and delivery is subjected to severe access restrictions. All the while, as these needs soar, international assistance is in alarming decline. It is urgent that we reverse this trend immediately. Third, Mr. President, it is almost a truism, but it bears repeating today: There can be no military solution to this conflict. Political leadership is needed to achieve a political solution. Denmark supports the peace agreements from June, facilitated by the United States, and the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha in July. But to the civilians caught in crossfires of this brutal conflict, these agreements need to become more than words on paper. They need to be implemented, translated into safety, shelter, and sustenance. We call on all relevant actors to continue promoting inclusive dialogue to reduce tensions, inclusive of local communities and of civil society, and fostering the participation of women. Fourth and finally, Mr. President, at this critical junction, we recognize the need to maintain the presence of a strong and credible actor with the capacity to protect civilians and to support the DRC Government on the path towards regional stability. MONUSCO is this actor. To many, MONUSCO offers a lifeline, protecting civilians in areas under or out of control of M23. However, it must be able to fulfill its mandate freely. Regrettably, as we've heard several times this morning, this is currently not the case. The mission's freedom of movement is curtailed and impeded by the M23. Its access to basic services is similarly obstructed. The closure of Goma airport has prevented troop rotations. This is unacceptable. Denmark calls on all parties to observe the provisions of resolution 2773 in this regard. Mr. President, in closing, recent political progress has offered a rare window of opportunity for peace in the eastern DRC. Around this table, it is our responsibility to build on this momentum. to support MONUSCO on the ground, to demand compliance with our own resolutions, and to an end to the violence. Denmark stands ready to work with all Council members to this end. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank SRSG Bintou Keita for her comprehensive briefing. I welcome the participation of the representatives of DRC and Rwanda in the meeting. The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains deeply troubling. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence. The mass killing of more than 300 civilians by M23 in Rutshuru in July is shocking and must be condemned by the Council. The perpetrators, their sponsors, and their enablers must be held accountable. Pakistan welcomed the Washington peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by the United States, as well as the Doha Declaration of Principles earlier concluded between the DRC and M23, facilitated by Qatar. Alongside the laudable African-led processes, these initiatives provide important openings for peace and stability. But agreements on paper alone are not enough. They must also be implemented in good faith. The same applies to Security Council Resolution 2773, which calls for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and full, safe, and unhindered access for MONUSCO and humanitarian personnel. All armed groups, in particular M23 and FDLR, must lay down arms and join credible disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs. External interference and support must stop. M23 must cease hostilities, withdraw from occupied areas, dismantle parallel structures, and engage earnestly in dialogue. Mr. President, we must also address varying contradictions on MONUSCO. On the one hand, the Washington, Doha, and African tracks rely heavily on MONUSCO for ceasefire support, verification, DDR, and protection of civilians. On the other hand, the mission's capacity is being reduced. Of the 11,500 authorized troops, fewer than 9,900 remain. Due to the recent budget cuts, 755 troops and 40 military experts are being repatriated. Further reductions are envisaged under contingency planning. This consistent weakening of MONUSCO is not sustainable and undermining peace and security in the DRC. We must strengthen MONUSCO, not weaken it. Pakistan supports the Secretary-General’s call for Member States to pay their assessed contributions in full and on time. The Secretary-General’s recent report on MONUSCO makes it clear that restrictions on MONUSCO’s movement by AFC M23, closure of Goma and Kavumu airports, Disruptions to power, water, and banking, and denial of flight clearances are crippling the mission’s ability to protect civilians and perform its mandates. Urgent steps must be taken to restore MONUSCO’s ability to carry out its mandate. We therefore call for immediate reopening of the airports in eastern DRC, guarantees of freedom of movement, and facilitation of overdue troop rotations and medevac operations. Pakistan has a long and proud history of contributing to peace in the DRC. Our commitment to the people and government of the DRC remains strong. For peace in DRC, we reiterate that: Resolution 2773 must be implemented; restrictions on MONUSCO should be lifted and the mission strengthened; the guns must fall silent; unfettered humanitarian access must be restored; and the war economy dismantled. If we fail to act, Mr. President, the window for a political settlement will close under the weight of rising civilian suffering and shrinking UN capacity to respond. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Russian Federation.

Ms. President. We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Bintu Keita, for her briefing. We welcome the participation of representatives of the DRC and Rwanda in this meeting. Almost one month ago, we met in this Chamber during an emergency session. and this owing to the ongoing deterioration of the situation in the DRC’s eastern provinces and a significant upsurge in the number of civilians killed by illegal armed groups. Regrettably, despite international efforts to help stabilize the situation and to resolve it via diplomatic channels, the situation on the ground has not improved. Hostilities haven’t ceased. The humanitarian crisis is intensifying. Congolese citizens and people living in other countries in the Great Lakes region continue to suffer the consequences of the conflict and the atrocities committed by the many illegal armed groups operating there. We are particularly disquieted by developments in South Kivu, where the city of Uweira located on the Burundi border, faces the threat of encirclement and attacks by M23. Further escalation in this area could result in bloody battles and a qualitative deterioration of the humanitarian situation. It would also nullify the outcomes of the international mediation efforts we've seen. This is unacceptable. We need a ceasefire. We need to focus on concrete steps to settle the crisis and to ensure normal conditions for civilians living in all countries in the region. We all know what the basic recipe for this is. There's no need to reinvent the wheel. There's no need to duplicate these recipes in new formats and continuously, endlessly fine-tune them while the machine guns fire on. All of the necessary steps are set forth in Resolution 2773, listed as mutual obligations in the Washington Peace Accord, dated 27th June, and also agreed to in Doha through Qatari mediation. and constructive compliance with political undertakings, with due regard for the key concerns of all parties involved, that is the only viable alternative to endless bloodshed. Clearly, an indispensable prerequisite on this path is an end to government engagement with illegal armed groups, for instance, the M23, but also the FDLR. We call on all countries in the region to focus their efforts on jointly combating illegal armed groups. This will do a lot more good for the civilian population. It will also help to root out banditry on the African continent. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, is one of the key instruments of international assistance to protection of civilian efforts. We support MONUSCO and its leadership. Nonetheless, recent events have shown that MONUSCO's protection of civilians potential is being held hostage by the escalation of intergovernmental contradictions. and the status quo in areas of the DRC occupied by the DRC. Therefore, we need to reanimate this potential or to adapt it to the new reality. By way of conclusion, we would like to emphasize yet again that the well-being of the populace, their economic prosperity, can only be built if there is not a climate of mistrust and continuous confrontation between neighbors. We don't doubt that the participants of the tragic events in the east of the DRC will understand this sooner or later, especially those who are in charge of making fateful decisions. The Russian Federation will continue to support the comprehensive settlement process in the region, to assist efforts to unblock the crisis in the eastern DRC as well, in addition to fostering mutually beneficial relations with our partners in this part of Africa. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, President. Allow me to begin by expressing gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Bintu Keita, for her briefing. and all the officials of MONUSCO who, with a great sense of commitment, continue to carry out their work in an extremely challenging environment. We also would like to welcome the representatives, the permanent representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, who are with us at this session. Your Excellencies, we acknowledge the recent diplomatic advances and in particular the Washington agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the Doha declaration between the RDC and the M23, and the decision to unite efforts in the framework of the joint mechanism of the African Union, the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community. These steps represent a real opportunity to achieve a permanent ceasefire and to make progress in the return of IDPs and their socio-economic reintegration. However, We're very concerned about how slow it is being implemented. It's essential to implement Resolution 2773, adopted this year, and to support these commitments with verifiable timetables, monitoring mechanisms, and clear consequences for non-compliance. We are deeply alarmed by the figures presented here. Over 1,000 civilians killed since June, including the massacre in Busha, as well as millions of people displaced and facing food insecurity. We strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the M23, the ADF, and other armed groups, as well as violations perpetrated by government troops. We demand an immediate cessation of violence against the civilian population, full respect for international humanitarian law, and the lifting of all restrictions that limit the work of MONUSCO and of humanitarian actors. It is urgent to reopen the airports of Goma and Kavumu. to restore secure corridors and to close the financing gap of the humanitarian response plan, which has barely collected 15%. The protection of humanitarian personnel and property should be an absolute red line. The mandate that this Council granted to MONUSCO is clear: protect civilians, support political solutions, promote human rights, and ensure a responsible transition. However, The mission is confronting unacceptable obstacles such as cuts in supplies, closure of airports, restrictions on its movement, and a financial deficit that is compromising lives. We know that peace will not be sustainable unless the drivers of the conflict are tackled. It is essential to cut the financial flows of armed groups. by combating the illicit trafficking of minerals and strengthening mechanisms of traceability and regional cooperation. The Council must be ready to target specific measures against those who finance, plan, or carry out grave violations while protecting communities that depend on small-scale mining activity. We also acknowledge the importance of mainstreaming the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and strengthening the protection of children. We value the presence of the women in the restructured cabinet and their involvement in processes of political importance, but their participation should be substantive and not merely cosmetic. It's important to strengthen integral support to survivors of sexual violence and provide resources for medical, psychosocial, and justice services. We also welcome the pledges to release some 400 children that were recruited in Ituri, and we request that this decision be implemented without delay. Mr. President, peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are essential for the security of the entire region. Panama reiterates its firm support for diplomatic efforts, its commitment to the Congolese authorities and the work of MONUSCO. We believe that with sustained political will, respect for human rights, and consistent international support, it is possible to transform hope into a lasting peace. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. Now I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, President. I thank SRSG Keiter for briefing us today, and I welcome the participation of the representatives of the DRC and Rwanda. I will make three points. First, the United Kingdom commends Qatar, the African Union, and the United States for their leadership and facilitation of negotiations between the parties in the DRC. We welcome the second meeting in Washington, DC this month, the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda. We urge all parties to continue to engage in negotiations in good faith to secure a durable political solution. The parties must implement their commitments in full and comply with Council resolution 2773. This includes the withdrawal of Rwandan defence forces from DRC territory. Second, we condemn violence by armed groups in eastern DRC. Recent months have seen a significant increase in attacks against civilians, particularly at the hands of ADF and M23. The sharp increase in sexual violence in 2025, as set out in the SG’s reporting, is particularly concerning. We urge all parties to protect civilians, and to facilitate humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in accordance with international humanitarian law. The UK is proud to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in eastern DRC through the provision of approximately $80 million of lifesaving assistance this financial year. Third, the UK emphasises its full support to MINUSCO and its mandate agreed by this Council. continued obstructions to MONUSCO’s operations, particularly in areas occupied by M23, are unacceptable. We encourage all States to make clear to M23 and all parties that Council decisions must be complied with. And we encourage continued reporting by the SRSG on progress towards resolving restrictions on MONUSCO’s work. I thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank SRSG Keita for her comprehensive briefing and also welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Rwanda to our meeting. Mr. President, this meeting takes place at a critical moment. The momentum of the Washington Accord and the Doha peace process must be sustained. Allow me to emphasize the following points. First, we reiterate that the implementation of resolution 2773 is imperative. M23 must immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities, stop setting up parallel administrative authorities, and withdraw all troops from Goma, Bukavu, and all other controlled areas. Greece resolutely opposes any violations of international law and the UN Charter, and stresses its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC. Second, we welcome the establishment of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and the Joint Oversight Committee, according to the peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda, signed in Washington in June, as well as the recent joint statement on the second meeting of the JSCM for the phased implementation of the CONOPS. We urge all parties to accelerate the implementation of their commitments as provided by the peace agreement. We also welcome DRC’s and Temp 23’s return to Doha in late August and the pursuing of their negotiations on the path to establish a permanent ceasefire with the support of MONUSCO and regional mechanisms. Progress on that will be pivotal for security conditions in DRC and the region. Third, with resolution 2773, the Council stresses its full support to MONUSCO. Acting within its mandate, MONUSCO is doing critical work in the DRC, in particular protecting the civilians and addressing urgent needs. MONUSCO’s movement should be unobstructed and its work should be unimpeded. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access. We emphasize, once more, our strong commitment to the safety and security of MONUSCO’s personnel. Restrictions to freedom of movement that severely impede the verification of human rights violations and abuses must be lifted immediately. Lastly, we are deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian and security consequences of the continuing M23 offensive In North and South Kivu, and of the ADF offensive in Ituri that have led to a further and mounting increase of IDPs, we call on all parties to allow and facilitate voluntary, safe, and dignified returns. We strongly condemn all forms of human rights violations committed both by armed groups and State agents, as presented in the Secretary-General’s report, including summary executions, torture, abductions, forced recruitment, and conflict-related sexual violence. All perpetrators of grave violations, notably against women and children, must be held accountable. We commend MONUSCO for training military, police, and civilian personnel with emphasis on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. We also welcome the steps taken by the DRC Government to support the justice system and the fight against impunity. In conclusion, Mr. President, we stand ready to consider any further engagement of the Council as necessary, along with national authorities, regional and international partners, towards a sustainable peace, stability, and development in the DRC and in the Great Lakes region. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement. Now I shall make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Republic of Korea. I thank SRS-G Bintu Keita for substantive briefing and welcome the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to this meeting. Since the occupation of Goma by M23 in January 2025, MONUSCO has continued to fulfill its important mandate under the most challenging circumstances, facing restrictions on its movement and threat against peacekeepers. We would like to pay tribute to the leadership and dedication of SRSG Keita in doing this effort. At the same time, we strongly condemn the attacks by M23 and other armed groups in eastern DRC, targeting MONUSCO peacekeepers and civilians. The safety, security, and freedom of movement of peacekeepers must be fully guaranteed. In this regard, I would like to highlight the following three points. First, The Republic of Korea is deeply concerned that military activities and attacks against civilians in this region continue, despite the principle of declaration agreed between DRC and M23. It's clear violation of the commitments both under the declaration and the resolution 2773. In fact, Civilian fatalities caused by M23 and other armed groups have increased by 122% over the past three months, which is unacceptable. Attacks on innocent civilians must stop. Second, we welcome the signing of prisoner exchange mechanism by DRC and M23 this month and commend the mediation efforts of Qatar with ICRC. Maintaining the momentum, DRC and M23 must engage seriously to reach a final peace agreement. Rwanda also must exercise its influence in a constructive manner so that M23 participate meaningfully in peace efforts. Along with the role the United States has played as a mediator in implementing the peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda, various initiatives have been developed to achieve lasting peace in eastern DRC, such as regional economic integration framework. However, despite the expiration of the implementation deadline, Key commitments under the peace agreement, such as the neutralization of FDLR and the lifting of Rwanda’s defensive measures, remain unfulfilled. We therefore urge both governments to act with greater urgency to fully implement the obligations set out in the peace agreement. Third. Regardless of liquidity crisis affecting UN peacekeeping operations and the resulting constraints, MONUSCO's role should be reimposed to stabilize the situation in eastern DRC, and where possible, support the implementation of the peace agreement. In this regard, we look forward in these discussions on concrete ways to strengthening MONUSCO's role. as the Security Council prepares to consider the renewal of its mandate later this year. In particular, it will be important to explore how key mandates, notably DDR and SSR, both highly relevant in the DRC context, can be carried out more efficiently in the current climate of resource constraints. The Republic of Korea remains committed to the goal of securing a stable and peaceful Democratic Republic of the Congo and supports the role of MONUSCO in this effort. Thank you. I resume my function as the President of the Council. I now give the floor to the representative of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. President, honorable members of the Security Council, ladies and gentlemen, on the last day of your presidency of the Security Council, it is a delight and an honor for me to congratulate you on a job well done throughout your month-long term. My delegation is very satisfied to have seen you chairing over this open meeting of the Security Council devoted to the consideration of the situation in my country, the DRC. I would like to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres. for his sustained commitment to the restoration of peace in my country. Last but not least, if I may, I should like to express my gratitude to Ms. Bintu Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of MONUSCO. We are grateful for her edifying briefing this morning. My delegation has taken note of the Secretary-General’s report on the United Nations Mission for the Stabilization of the DRC, document reference S/2025/590, dated 19 September 2025. However, we would like to recall that on 22 August this year, at the emergency meeting, convened at the request of the United States and Panama a meeting on the situation in the DRC. Unfortunately, the attention of the Council was drawn to three important points: first, the relentless atrocities and mass crimes committed in the east of the DRC, targeting civilian populations, as well as the humanitarian disaster; exacerbated day in, day out by attacks waged by the RDF-M23 coalition. Just this morning, hundreds of young people in Bukavu were taken en masse by the Rwandan army and its forward brigade, the AFC-M23. They were taken to an unknown destination. Second, non-compliance with relevant and clear-cut provisions of resolution 2773, adopted unanimously on 21 February 2025 by this very Council, provisions including the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Rwandan Defence Forces, the RDF, and their forward brigade in the DRC, that is, the infamous AFCM 23. I also mentioned the various peace initiatives launched under the auspices of the US and Qatar, initiatives which resulted on 27 June in Washington in the conclusion of a peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as in the signing in Doha of a declaration of principles, a sort of road map, a preliminary road map paving the way for peace between the DRC and the AFC M23. Mr. President, Today, the first message I'd like to convey is underpinned by the observation that for over three decades, the east of the DRC has seen atrocious war. Entire generations have grown up in the shadow of violence, large-scale displacement, sexual slavery, and the pillage of their native lands. The attack have fallen victim to, has plunged the provinces in the east of my country in a humanitarian disaster: almost 7 million IDPs. A peak was reached in January and February of this year when the cities of Goma and Bukavu were invaded by the Rwandan Defence Forces and their forward brigade in the country, the infamous AFC 23. It is worth clarifying that the diplomatic process underway with all parties to the conflict does not in any way exclude the quest for justice and reparations. As reiterated by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, speaking from the high roster of the 80th session of the General Assembly on 23 September this year, and I quote: “The United Nations, through the mapping report, documented the scale of the atrocities being committed. It's not just a conflict, it's a silent genocide hitting the Congolese people, and this for over 30 years now. In July of this year, over 300 civilians, of which 48 were women and 19 children, massacred in Rururi territory by the FCM23 with the support of the Rwandan Defence Forces. Now, these are not isolated crimes; they are part and parcel of a macabre trend. I thank the United States of America for taking the initiative in June in the previous month – apologies, in August – of convening an extraordinary session of the Security Council to consider the massacres documented by Human Rights Watch.” End of quote. President, this is not solely a Congolese crisis. It’s a stain on the collective conscience of humanity. Repeated cycles of atrocity, fueled by by the avarice for strategic minerals, as well as foreign interference, principally that by Rwanda, reflect the cost of indifference and the price of impunity. With every crime that goes unpunished, with every time that we remain silent while there are new victims piling up, The door is being opened to new waves of violence. Recognizing the crimes that have been committed, preserving the truth for future generations, and ensuring accountability are not options. They are the very foundation of dignified and lasting peace. Today, as the world clamors for justice in other parts of the world, the voice of Congolese victims must also be heard, because no peace process can survive impunity. Protecting human life is a non-negotiable must. Standing idly by while such crimes are committed is tantamount to being complicit. The protection of human life of all communities is non-negotiable. It must be at the heart of our activities. The Security Council and the international community cannot remain indifferent as impunity takes root. The second message I’d like to convey follows on from the first. I’d like to reiterate the appeal launched on 23 September, speaking from the high rostrum of the General Assembly, by his President of the DRC, His Excellency Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and here I quote: As preparations are underway for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council of the United Nations to look into the massacres perpetrated a few months ago by our attackers and their affiliates, and this in the east of the DRC, I'd like to launch a solemn appeal to the international community. The international community has a moral and political duty to support this key step. step and to establish the truth, to ensure justice is done for the benefit of the victims, and to lay the groundwork for lasting peace rooted in memory and shared responsibility." End of quote. President, to put an end to this conflict, the Security Council, through Resolution 2773, dated 21st of February of this year, demanded the withdrawal of M23 from Goma, Bukavu, and all of the areas under its control. as well as for the dismantling of parallel administrations established in violation of the sovereignty of the DRC, as well as the end of all support to the M23, whether that be direct or indirect. The Washington Accord and the Doha Declaration of Principles. do something similar. They call for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops, the end to Rwandan support for the M23, and the restoration of state authority across all occupied areas. These are non-negotiables if we are to have genuine peace. The Security Council, a guarantor of the maintenance of international peace and security, must ensure that this agreement is painstakingly implemented. It is indissociable from the implementation of Resolution 2773. Until these decisions are executed, the blood of innocents will continue to flow. President, once again, I'd like to reiterate the comments recently made by His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi. The objective we pursue remains unchanged: to ensure just, lasting and verifiable peace, and not simply an ephemeral, fictitious lull in hostilities. What we need is true peace, not what we've had for 30 years, often disappointing our people. We expect the international community to be unswerving and courageous, to stand on the side of the law. This is the price of truth, which will prevail over impunity, making peace possible. The DRC is a vibrant country with many natural riches and a wealth of human resilience. We want to contribute to global peace, but Peace begins with recognizing the tragedy we've lived through. I solemnly call on this assembly to recognize the Congolese genocide, to support our battle for truth and justice, and to at last help us to build lasting peace in the heart of Africa. We ask the United Nations to introduce a targeted sanctions regime targeting the perpetrators of economic crimes and war crimes, crimes against humanity, as well as the crime of genocide committed in the east of my country. We call on the United Nations also to support all activities which can help break the illicit supply circuits involving minerals, which for decades have funded wars and human tragedies. The international community has a moral and political duty to recognize this tragedy for what it is, a genocide, and to take appropriate action. Silence and inaction in the face of such crimes are tantamount to complicity. We demand the immediate establishment of an independent international commission of inquiry that would be well resourced so that it can establish the truth, justice to the victims and break the cycle of impunity which has been fueling this tragedy for decades. President, turning now to MONUSCO, my country's position has already been voiced on numerous occasions in this chamber. My government is in favor of entrusting MONUSCO with an operational role when it comes to verifying a future ceasefire and and the implementation of the peace accords. We would like to emphasize the need for the Security Council to strengthen diplomatically, militarily, and financially MONUSCO so that it can fulfill its mandate, which will soon be renewed. We call on the Council to take decisions which will compel Rwanda and their associates, the M23 AFC, to not impede the freedom of movement of MONUSCO. personnel. Such a posture is beneath a country which claims to be an exemplary troop-contributing country of the United Nations system. President, before I conclude, I would like to reiterate the requests my country has addressed to the Council so as to make headway on our agenda that is restoring lasting peace, rather than an ephemeral and fictitious peace. First, the Council should be able to, without delay, ensure the application of the 27 June 2025 agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda, which is now an indissociable part of the full, faultless implementation of the provisions of resolution 2773 adopted this year. Second, we need the Council to strengthen the sanctions regime, adding AFC M23 commanders and Rwandan leaders on there. Third, immediate support for the effective implementation of an international commission of inquiry as per resolution A/HRC/RES/S/37/1 adopted on 7 February of this year at the 37th extraordinary session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda.

Thank you for giving me the floor, and allow me to begin by commending you for your leadership, Mr. President, of the Security Council this month. I also thank Madame Bintou Keïta for her updates on the situation in the Democratic – in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the work of MONUSCO. Mr. President, As we meet today, since the signing of the Washington Agreement, Rwanda has engaged constructively in all follow-up meetings, including the following engagements: The Joint Oversight Committee has already met twice, on the 30th of July, on the 3rd of September, and will meet again on the 1st of October. Likewise, the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism has convened twice, on the 7th and 8th of August in Addis Ababa, and on the 17th and 18th of September in Washington, DC. All these meetings are directed towards the operationalization of the Washington Peace Agreement, a process to which Rwanda remains fully committed. It is important to highlight that the Washington Peace Agreement is built on principles of peace and cooperation, and establishes a joint security mechanism to build trust, along with measures to guarantee humanitarian access and the dignified return of refugees. Importantly, It also addresses many of the very issues that the Security Council has long grappled with, as reflected in numerous UN Security Council resolutions. In fact, some of refugees are already returning in Rwanda, and mechanisms are in place to receive them. This process also addresses the Resolution 2773, and although I have been here before to talk about more than 20 more resolutions that were passed before it, and which this resolution did not repeal. I'm now singling out this resolution alone because issues are interconnected, and if it is addressed in the manner it is imported in the Washington agreement, it will address all issues in the resolutions that came before it. Resolution 2773, as imported in the Washington Agreement, contextualizes the situation and creates a mechanism for its logical implementation. So indeed, if this Council, which I believe supports the Washington Agreement, then you must also be able to support the process in which the Washington Agreement intends to implement this resolution. Similarly, The Doha process has represented a critical opportunity to address the endemic intercongolesse challenges that have plagued the DRC for decades. The peace process provides a structured and inclusive framework for dialogue aimed at tackling the root causes of conflict, including issues of governance, exclusion, armed groups, and ethnic tensions. Rwanda sees hope in these efforts. But their success depends on full commitment and a genuine political will from all parties involved. This is a one-time chance to bring lasting peace to the DRC, and the Security Council must lend its unequivocal support. We call on all parties to honour their commitments, engage constructively, and ensure that this process translates into concrete measures that will bring peace and address the underlying drivers of conflict in the eastern DRC. I wanted to reiterate that Rwanda is fully committed to this process, and we shall implement it to the letter. Having reviewed the Secretary-General’s report under consideration today, I wish to share Rwanda’s principal concerns, notably the underreporting of critical facts, the imbalanced portrayal of armed groups, the persistent and dangerous presence of the DRC-backed FDLR, and the implications for MONUSCO’s future role as the peace agreement moves into implementation. I wanted to reiterate that the Washington Agreement creates a role for MONUSCO, and this requires that MONUSCO positions itself to implement this role in a constructive way. So the advice we are giving here is in that logic. While we value reporting, The latest report on Eastern DRC reflects troubling omissions. Chief among them is the failure to sufficiently address one of the most dangerous drivers of violence, and that is hate speech and identity-based persecution. I know in paragraph 79, the report talks about hate speech, but not sufficiently. Hate speech is something very dangerous. I have seen reports of the Security Council where you quote from the social media postings. Who has not seen hate speech in social media, in classrooms, in churches, where hate is taught to 10-year-olds? Who has not seen those posts? Only last week, some people were being tormented because they had a long nose. Those who know the history of the region know what it means, what a long nose means. It means death to some people. So this is not something that the report must refer to in passing. The report does not address the issue of mercenaries. There is a whole convention of the United Nations against the use of mercenaries. There are more than two Security Council resolutions against the use of mercenaries. There is the African Union resolution against the use of mercenaries. When did this council ever address the issue of mercenaries? There are mercenaries now, there were mercenaries before. When they were flushed out of the forests, everyone was there to see. Why is it that the Security Council treats this as a non-issue? And why is it that MONUSCO does not consider this as an issue? Why is Rwanda concerned? Because it is just across our border. Kinyarwanda speaking Congolese communities, including Banyamurenge in South Kivu, are being singled out for expulsion and extermination. Again, who has not seen or who did not hear that there was an ultimatum given in Uvira for Tutsis to leave the country, a 10-day ultimatum. I met one senior official of the UN on the eighth day to ask why the UN had been silent all along. A commander of the army issues an ultimatum for the ethnic group to leave the country. Where was the emergency meeting to address that? Why is the UN, until now, silent about it? Is it normal that an ethnic group is ordered to leave the country of their origin to go to where they are perceived to belong? Because telling the truth is the only thing we can do here. And we will not tire repeating it and repeating it. Decisions will remain entirely yours, but the truth of the matters we shall continue to tell. FDLR, FDLR that is backed by the DRC government, has an origin in the force that killed one million Rwandans. It is the only genocidal group that remained in its military formation, in known locations, with the same intentions, undisturbed for the period of 31 years now. There is not any other single group I know in the history that committed the genocide, remained in that military formation, kept their arms, regrouped, got supported, remained pursuing its intent for 31 years, and today the report says they have strongholds undisturbed. That is FDR. That is discussed here as a known issue. Actually, Let me say something that you may not have to provide an answer for, but take time to reflect about it. FDLR is within FARDC and it is known, it is in your reports. FDLR is assisted by the DRC government. It is there, it is known, it is in your reports. MONUSCO cooperates with the DRC government, with DRC army, knowing FDLR is within DRC army. And what MONUSCO does and this is on record, is to avoid units and battalions in which FDLR is deployed. So which standard is that? That there is a formal military cooperation between a UN force and a government force that has a genocide force within it, as long as they are not kept in the same units. Formally, that is the position of MONUSCO. What does complicity mean if that is not complicity? MONUSCO knows FDLR units are within FARDC units. What they do is just avoid those. So you can use them elsewhere, as long as we don't mix. But you are in the same efforts, same military efforts, same military campaign. How did it occur in the wisdom of this council to form that partnership? against M23, against Rwanda. M23 are Congolese who are being expelled from their country. Rwanda is a country that suffered the genocide at the hands of FDLR and which has suffered 21 more attacks after 1994. If 21 attacks by a non-state group supported by a state member to the UN, if it does not constitute the reason to activate Article 51 of the Charter, which justifies that? Which threshold exists? 21 attacks in the period of 31 years. If you wanted to know how many times FDLR has attacked Rwanda, look at how many travel advisories some of your countries have issued. Because every time they attack Rwanda, you advise your citizens not to go to that part of Rwanda. So you can just collect those advisories. You will know how many times FDLR has attacked Rwanda. And we are being advised to lift our defensive measures when FDLR has strongholds that Madame Keita is telling us. It happened once. us in 94. We took advice from preachers and hid in churches, and we were slaughtered like cows. It will never happen again. Thank you very much.

The representative of Rwanda for the statement. The Department of Congo, sorry, The representative of Democratic Republic of the Congo has requested for the floor to make a further statement.

Mr. President, thank you for giving me the floor again. I could have remained silent because what we said earlier was quite clear, but faced with the distortions of my colleague from Rwanda, I'm forced to take the floor again. If this organization of the United Nations respected the Charter as it was drafted in 1945, Rwanda, which invaded the territory of another country, would not, might not even be allowed to sit here in this chamber next to us, because the goal of the founders of this organization was to make sure that war never happens again. This country invaded the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They have their troops on the territory of the DRC. They kill every day. This morning in Bukavu, Hundreds of young men were guided to an undisclosed location, probably also with the goal of ethnic cleansing. But they You speak of hate rhetoric, you who are on the territory of another country. You dare to speak of hate rhetoric. You're afraid of hate rhetoric while you're massacring the population of... of another country on its territory? Even MONUSCO has suffered loss of lives caused by Rwanda. A country like that has a right to sit in the Security Council and speak of hate rhetoric? What is the hate rhetoric compared to thousands of people killed on the territory of my country? What is hate rhetoric compared to a genocide carried out by a member state of this organization? Mr. President, he also spoke of the FDLR. What is the FDLR? The FDLR are Rwandans. To organize an inter-Rwandan dialogue, to discuss among yourselves. You don't even have democracy in your country. There's no democracy in Rwanda. All the opponents in Rwanda are outside of Rwanda. When they are in Rwanda, they are killed or assassinated. In Congo, our opponents remain in Congo. We engage in discussion, we have democracy, even if we can't compare it to Western democracies, but it does exist. Where's democracy in Rwanda? Where's the Rwandan democracy? Show me a single opponent who is in Rwanda, opposition politician. So when you speak of hate rhetoric or whatever, it's completely ill-placed. Now, speaking of DLR, these are Rwandans, as I said. Rwanda wants peace with the FDLR, then why don't you discuss among yourselves, among Rwandans? This is taking place in the east of the DRC, and who's occupying the east of the DRC? It's the Rwanda and M23. And we have said that we will contribute to the dismantlement of DLR, that is the essence of the Washington agreement, because we want peace. But to come here for them to say that everything hinges on the FDLR, that's false. They are exploiting minerals of the DRC. We consider that the grave violations of human rights being committed in the east of the DRC, it is Rwanda that is responsible for it. It is an aggressor country, and it should be considered as an aggressor country based on the Charter. We are dealing with an aggressor who comes here with arguments that are completely worthless. How many times has he spoken of FDLR or hate rhetoric, and this is a country that has invaded our territory? I'll stop there.

I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the statement. Now, I give the representative of Rwanda has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I'd like to remind this is your final statement.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I will make good use of your time. Indeed, FDLR are Rwandans, and in Rwanda is where they should be. And this is what we're asking for the GRC to do. In 1994, after they had committed the genocide, almost the equal number of perpetrators and others left Rwanda to Tanzania. But because Tanzania handled the situation in a right way, we do not have a problem now with Tanzania. You have that history. You were involved through UNHCR. You saw the process, how they were disarmed, settled in camps, and later on repatriated back to Rwanda. The problem we have with the DRC is they chose the opposite direction. arm them, reorganize them, continue to support them until now. And we have a report 31 years later that says they even have strongholds in the DRC. So that is the problem. It's not about whether they are Rwandese or they are not. These are people, Rwandese, Rwandans, yes, who killed our people, who want to continue killing. The intent, they still have that genocidal intent. And who should not be there, who should be neutralized. Now, the question of minerals, no, we have no problem with DRC minerals. Rwanda has the, we have our own minerals. Maybe the challenge DRC has is that as much as we may not have as much, there is a visible impact on how we use what the little we have. So if democracy that my brother is telling me about, produces what we see in the DRC, then that's not the type of democracy Rwanda wants.

I thank the representative of Rwanda for her statement. There are no more names inscribed on my list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussions on this subject. The meeting is adjourned.