The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Security Council, 10126th meeting

The 10,126 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 with Rule 37 of the Council's Provisional Rules of Procedure. I invite the representative of 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. Vivian van de Per, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Interim Head of monusco, to participate in this meeting. It is so decided.

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item two of the agenda.

I now give the floor to Ms. Vivian van de Per.

Good morning, Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Council, His Excellency, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda, I thank you 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 amidst a constrained operational environment. In this challenging context, MONUSCO remains committed to delivering on its mandate in accordance with the Security Council Resolution 2808 adopted last December. 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, Manusco's activities will focus exclusively on ceasefire related functions. Mr. President. Clashes between AFC M23, supported by RDF and FARDC, supported by Vasalendu and other allies in the Pitino of North Kivu as well as in South Kivu continue to escalate, marked by the increased use of Heaven weaponry and military buildup. Despite the withdrawal by AFC M23 from Uvira on 17 January, under international pressure, the situation in South Kivu remains tense and the 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 Revolution Populaire CRP around Bule and Fatake has resulted in numerous casualties, large scale displacement and attacks on infrastructure, including a MINUSCO convoy. In addition, following a lull in activity, Allied Democratic Forces elements attacked mining sites in Mombasa territory on 11 March, a significant distance from their traditional areas of operation in North Kivu, where they remain active as well. Recent hostilities between the government and the AFC M23 have also been marked by the growing use of offensive drones as well as by continued jamming and split of GPS signals. Two concerning developments have emerged in this regard. First, the conflict is expanding beyond north and South Kivu into Chopo Province, which lies far from the epicenter of the conflict.

Second, 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 Ngoma town. Meanwhile, the AFC M23 continues consolidating parallel administrative structures in area 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, security, widespread human rights violations and restricted access. Mr. President, 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 as reaffirmed during the 1718 March meeting in Washington D.C. where 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 lay the foundation of a ceasefire architecture structured around the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, COVUM and the expanded Joint Verification Mechanism plus bjvm. A welcome step in this respect was the convening in Doha on 1 and 2 February of the seventh meeting of the COVUM, which resulted in the adoption of its Terms of Reference and in 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 and on the 12th to the 14th of February 2026, I traveled 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 monitoring and verification mechanism. I encouraged the Council to exercise its influence to translate this progress into the rapid reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports and the resumption of flights, as the airports remain a vital lifeline for the population and humanitarian actors in eastern DRC.

From 23 to 27 February, MONUSCO, in collaboration with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, ICGLR deployed a joint exploratory mission to UVIRA to assess the political, security and logistical conditions required for the future deployment of the EJV M. 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 UN agencies, fund and programs are also working on a UN 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 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 Felix Tshisekedi'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. Mr. President 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 Jaiba village and sought violence refuge at its Fatake base. The Mission has also intensified patrols to deter persistent ADF attacks in both Ituri and the Grand Nurs of North Kivu. In the meantime, violence attributed to the Cooperative Pour Lement du Congo CODECO has declined due in part to local peace initiatives under the ARU 2 dialogue supported by the mission.

In addition, by conducting 204 patrols as part of Operation Secure Harvest 4, the mission has enabled 18,000 farmers to harvest and transport their produce. These efforts, along with operations Nyundo 2 and 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. Conducting joint operations with the fardc, MONUSCO also continues to support a nationally led and inclusive security sector. Reform, Strengthening governance and SSR remains critical to enabling the state to fulfill 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 last July. These legislative frameworks provide the country with the necessary tools to protect its population and establish a foundation for durable peace. Mr. President, since the Council was last briefed in December 2025, the UN Joint Human Rights Office has continued to document numerous grave violations and abuses, including conflict related sexual violence committed by armed groups and 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 were 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 this 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 UN 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, forced labor of children remains a major concern in artisanal mining sites, including for the purpose of illicit exploitation.

Fueling this conflict in this regard, we reiterate our readiness to support government in finalizing the Charter against the instrumentalization of children for political, electoral and conflict purposes. Mr. President, amidst 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 Congo. While current humanitarian efforts remain essential, they are insufficient and and compounded by significant funding challenges.

However, humanitarian action alone cannot carry the burden of peace, particularly in a context where 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 be held to account.

Monsieur le President, Mr. President, distinguished members of the Council. To conclude, I would like to reaffirm that peace and security in the east of the DRC require renewed collective engagement. The Congolese people, who have suffered for far too long from violence and illegal exploitation of their resources, deserve peace and responsible governance deserve that these things finally become a reality. I call on the parties to honor their commitments so as to bridge the gap between diplomacy and the reality of the security situation. And I invite the Council to act firmly so as to prevent new suffering and to sanction the perpetrators of abuses.

Minusco, as far as we are concerned, will continue standing by the side of the civilians.

I thank you and the pair 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.

Merci.

Thank you, Mr. President, and welcome to New York. And thank you for your actions, for your tireless peace efforts in Africa. Mr. President, I would like to thank the Deputy Special Representative, Ms. Vivian van der Pere, for her briefing. It shows in particular the contrast between the progress when it comes to political discussions and the continued hostilities and the lasting humanitarian crisis. The discussion between the DRC and Rwanda resumed last week in Washington, and this is an encouraging sign.

We in France fully support the mediation provided by the United States, Qatar and the facilitation by the African Union. Agreements have been signed. They now have to be translated into the situation on the ground, whereas the hostilities continued. Hostilities resulted in the fact that a French national working for The UNICEF on the 11th of March lost her life. We call for an independent and impartial investigation.

The humanitarians are not to be targeted and parties have to uphold international humanitarian law. Let me underscore three points. First, the Council shouldered its responsibility and should continue doing so. Resolution 2773, which was adopted unanimously by the council, demands that M23 ceases its offensive and that the Rwanda Defense Forces withdraw from the Congolese territory and that the DRC should neutralize the fdlr. We therefore expect that the parties are to honor their commitments unanimously.

The Council also adopted the mandate for MONUSCO in December last and asked them to fully support the peace process. Resolution 2808 authorizes MONUSCO to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire within the framework of the mechanism which was agreed in Doha. The Council will remain mobilized to make sure that the parties are held accountable for their commitments. Second point. MONUSCO is ready to support the peace process.

We thank the United nations for the work undertaken so as to work out the details or the modalities of Minusco support for the ceasefire in line with the Council's mandate. Progressive approach and condition based approach in the letter of the Secretary General for us is a good approach. I also would like to underscore for the essential role manuscript plays in the protection of civilians. This is one of their key priorities in Kivo and Ituri. Manisco continues protecting the civilians in the face of destabilizing actions by armed groups.

Third, we once again call on the parties to find a political solution on the ground. The urgent thing is to make sure that the ceasefire is materialized. The principles have been adopted and it has to be prominent. Ceasing impediments to Monusco and imperiling Monusco. It's imperative that this stops.

We support the efforts to resume flights through the Goma airport according to the commitments undertaken in Paris. Dialogue has to continue to make sure that tangible guarantees on humanitarian protocols and the ceasefire negotiated in Doha. A lasting political solution or will mean that all of the hate speech has to stop and that the inter Congolese dialogue moves forward. We therefore welcome the consultations initiated by Angola and lasting peace is impossible without fighting impunity. Mr. President, to conclude, more than three decades have confirmed the following convictions within the Council.

First, the there cannot be a military solution to this and second, that the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not negotiable. We must continue with our collective engagement to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes. There is a solution which is in sight. The Council is to support it with its utmost. I thank you

to the representative of denmark.

Thank you, Mr. President. And let me also thank you, Dr. Boulos, for presiding the meeting here today and for your personal efforts and leadership in bringing peace to the Eastern drc. I also thank Deputy Srst. Van der Pere for her so burning update and through her the immense efforts of the men and women of Monusco under extremely difficult circumstances. Mr. President, it has long been clear that the path to sustainable peace in the DRC cannot be forced to 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 inclusive national dialogue with Angolan support. Whatever the format of 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 of the lives of civilians on the ground, agreements and processes risk simply remaining words on the page. We are deeply concerned by the continued fighting and condemned the attack on Goma on March 11 which resulted in 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 de escalation and lasting peace in the DRC. Mr. President, while fighting continues and humanitarian needs surge, appalling human rights violations and abuses continue to be reported. We're particularly concerned about persistent sexual and gender based violence against women and girls and the continued reports of significant restrictions on civic space, including arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention of opposition members.

Denmark's stance is clear. Peace will not be sustained, achieved without justice. We reiterate our support for the UN Fact Finding Mission on the situation in south and North Kivo. The Fact Finding Mission's work should continue through the establishment of the Commission on Inquiry as requested by the UN 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.

Mr. President, turning to MONUSCO, Denmark welcomes the observations made in the Secretary General's letter on the progress towards the establishment of this ceasefire oversight and Verification Mechanism. We commend that MONUSCO has participated constructively in the formulation of the Mechanism's terms of reference and practical setup. As a credible actor with significant experience in Eastern drc, we see MONUSCO as well placed to support ceasefire monitoring. We cannot stress enough the importance of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding and capabilities for MONUSCO to be able to implement its mandate in full. If not, 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. Mr. President, in closing, Denmark remains committed to contributing to peace and stability in the drc. The evolving situation demands our continued attention, commitment and action. We stand ready to engage with all Council members to this end.

I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for the statement and I thank the representative of France for their statement. I give the floor to the representative of China.

President, I welcome Senior Advisor Boulos to the Chamber chairing today's meeting. I thank Deputy Srsg. Venterberg for her briefing. The current round of conflict in Eastern DRC has persisted more than a year. The situation is now at a critical juncture.

On the one hand, diplomatic negotiations among the parties are progressing in an in depth manner. The calls for peace are growing louder. The framework for a ceasefire agreement is gradually taking shape. Yet on the other hand, the scourge of violence is far from being eliminated. Civilian casualties continue to rise.

The humanitarian crisis is a grave cause for concern. The international community must remain resolute and redouble its efforts to jointly promote the early restoration of lasting peace in Eastern drc. Three points First, a comprehensive ceasefire must be implemented without delay. Military means cannot and will not bring peace to Eastern drc. This is the consensus of the international community.

Recently the parties of the conflict have still engaged in exchange of fire. This plus the frequent use of drones in particular under mine atmosphere surrounding atmosphere China calls on all parties to take a lasting ceasefire as the overriding priority and fulfill their obligations and responsibilities under Council Resolution 2337 and relevant agreements M23 must cease all expansions and commit to dialogue and negotiations. All parties should abide by international humanitarian law, ensure the safety and security of civilians, humanitarian personnel and foreign nationals and their businesses. China has taken note of recent reports of foreign private security companies involvement in the conflict and calls for the relevant party to stop adding fuel to the fire. Second, the political settlement must be advanced with steady determination.

Recently, the AU and countries in the region have actively carried out good offices thanks to which the AU led mediation framework and Plan of Action have been established. Thanks. Such efforts are laudable. It is important for the international community to support the AU's central role in the peace process in DRC, support the UN, the AU and sub regional organizations strengthening their coordination and complementing each other's efforts 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, inclusiveness and to commit to promoting the implementation of agreements already reached and play a truly constructive role in the sustained de escalation of the regional situation.

Third, assurance must be given to Manuscu to enable its mandate performance. China supports MONUSCO in playing a greater role in maintaining peace and stability in Eastern drc. That said, given the current fragile situation on the ground, the uncertainty relating to the ceasefire arrangement, Monuska's own security and freedom of movement are not guaranteed, making it effectively impossible to undertake additional tasks in terms of supporting the monitoring of the ceasefire. There's a saying that goes more haste, less speed. At this stage, Monosco must prioritize the strengthening of coordination with all parties to create more favorable conditions to further support ceasefire monitoring and should promptly keep the Security Council informed of the relevant progress and on that basis the Security Council will in turn take into consideration of situational developments, requests of the parties concerned and SG's proposals in order to comprehensively study and decide on whether on further expanding monusco's mandate in support of ceasefire monitoring.

Hasty authorization to give the mission an expanded role in ceasefire monitoring would not be conducive to its effective performance of its mandate and and would also undermine the Security Council's authority. President China always respects the DRC's efforts to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China supports the DRC in restoring its governance authority in Eastern DRC at an early opportunity. We remain committed to objectivity and impartiality while promoting peace and dialogue. We always put the interests of the people of the DRC and the region first, never seeking 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. And I thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Greece.

Thank you, Mr. President.

And I would also like to thank you for chairing this meeting and for your efforts to promote peace in Eastern drc. I would like to also thank Deputy Special Representative Van de Per for her insightful briefing and for her leadership of Monusco in recent months. Mr. President, nearly one year after the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2773 and this Council's call for an immediate end to the conflict in Eastern drc, we meet at a moment marked by both progress and persistent risks. I would like to make the following First, Resolution 2773 must be implemented immediately, fully and unconditionally. 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. Rwanda Defense Forces must seize all support to AFC M23 and withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Only legitimate parallel administrations must be dismantled and state authority restored throughout the country. Greece reaffirms its steadfast support for the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the drc. Second, we are deeply concerned by the intensified use of drone strikes by the parties to the conflict which has caused civilian casualties since the beginning of 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 the United nations humanitarian personnel and peacekeepers. Attacks against UN personnel constitute a blatant violation of international law and must be fully investigated. Those responsible must be held accountable. Third, Mr. President, we welcome all efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and advancing sustainable peace, stability and reconciliation in Eastern drc.

We commend the United States, Qatar, the African Union and Tagola for their important mediation efforts. The momentum generated by the Washington Accords must be preserved. All parties must de escalate immediately, honor the commitments they have undertaken under the various peace processes and accelerate their implementation. Fourth, 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 have heard also by 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 MONUSCU's freedom of movement must be lifted. Resolutions 2773 and 2808 reaffirm the Council's full support for MONUSCO, whose role 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 ICGLR 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, Mr. President, Greece stands ready to support any further engagement by this Council as necessary towards sustainable peace, stability and development in the DRC and the wider region. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 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 SRSG Ms. Bintou Keita and welcome Mr. James Swan as he assumes the leadership of Monusco at this pivotal moment. Mr. President, for too long, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the arena where 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 Kisigani, marks a dangerous escalation. Civilians, humanitarian actors and UN 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, it is 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 Agreements of December 4, 2025, concluded under the auspices of the United States. Mr. President, the Secretary General, in his letter of February 27, 2026, noted that MONUSCO may require an additional deployment within interfaced 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 December 10, 2025, one day after the Washington agreement, the AFC M23 and its supporters seized Uvira, a city of strategic importance to both the DRC and Burundi. Only sustained international pressure led to their announced withdrawal on January 17, 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 7th COVM meeting in Doha on February 2, 2026. The deployment of EJVM missions to Uvira represents an important step toward 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 and we reaffirm and reaffirm in Resolution 2808 of 2026. The Washington Agreements and the Doha process impose clear obligations to de escalate and to cease hostilities. These obligations must be fully respected. Mr. President, despite progress in some areas, the full operationalization of ceasefire mechanisms remain 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 Eastern DRC once again descends into large scale war with the risk of broader regional crises. Mr. President, the African Union has long affirmed that African challenges require African leadership supported by genuine international partnership. This movement demands that resolve.

To avoid. Yet another cycle of stalled progress. The A3 stresses the need for consolidated peace implementation architecture, one that brings together regional initiatives, ensures coherence in implementation and guarantees transparent reporting to this council.

Allow me, Mr. President, 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 2025 reaffirm commitments to troop withdrawal, economic cooperation and previous agreements. Subsequent steps taken in Washington In March of 2026 outline 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 calls 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. Second, 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. Airports in Goma and Kavumu must reopen immediately to allow humanitarian flights and MONUSCO's operations. Attacks on civilians, humanitarian personnel, the UN staff are unacceptable and require independent and impartial investigations. Third, MONOSKO must be strengthened as a pillar of peace. Contingency measures have already reduced its uniform depressance by 23.4%.

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. Fourth, 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. Fifth, diplomatic efforts cannot operate in silos. The A3 calls for harmonized reporting among mediation tracks, a unified monetary mechanism and regular joint briefings to the Security Council. When mediators coordinate parties cannot evade responsibility.

Mr. President. Finally, the DRC 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 the lack of solutions, but for the lack of will to implement them. I thank you for your kind attention.

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

Thank you, Mr. President.

We welcome the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Vivian Van de Per, and would like to thank her for the briefing. We also welcome the participation of the representative of Rwanda in our meeting. We have to acknowledge that despite the fact that in 2024 agreements were arrived at with extra regional participation and number of agreements aimed at peace in the east of the drc. Despite all of that, the situation on the ground has not seen a change for the better. There is no cessation of hostilities or a ceasefire there.

Quite the contrary. Since the beginning of this year we have been witnessing a situation which is the opposite of what the parties have agreed amongst themselves in Doha and Washington. Not only do hostilities are not ending, but they lead to the development of the conflict, to qualitative change in its nature. In particular, what is becoming more pronounced is the use of offensive drones. As a result of a drone strike on Goma on 11 March, one member of UNICEF was killed.

And it is our understanding to civilians as well, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences on their death. And we do hope that the government of the DRC will do their utmost so as to investigate the circumstances of this and to punish the guilty party. This high profile episode is only one of the many manifestations of the fact that the main price in the armed conflicts which is taking place in the east of the DRC is paid by the unarmed. It is civilian lives that are being lost every day. Civilians become victims of sexual violence and civilians are suffering from the humanitarian consequences of hostilities.

And how long this is going to last is a question and a question first and foremost to the parties to the conflict. Rwanda and the DRC have to implement the demands in the Security Council Resolution 2773, where it talks about cessation of hostilities and ending support to illegal armed groups. The responsibility for abiding by the commitments undertaken lies first and foremost with the parties to the conflict. But their share of responsibility, as we all know, is also borne by the mediators. And we do hope that they will make additional efforts to ensure that the agreement signed with their participation is implemented.

It is clear that this, as well as sustainably advancing towards a lasting settlement, is impossible unless there is active participation on the part of African diplomacy. And here we note the efforts undertaken by the Chairman of the Council of Minister of Togo, Mr. Flora Nassim, who is acting as a main mediator on behalf of the African Union, as well as the peacekeeping initiatives undertaken by the President of Angola, Joao Lorenzo. We think that it is the balanced African solutions that can create the conditions so as to overcome the root causes of the conflict. At the same time, we think that there is a need for a clear and well defined coordination of all mediation efforts. And we think that duplicating regional and extra continental efforts lower their overall effectiveness.

We follow very closely the launch of the mechanism which was agreed in Doha, namely the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, which is developed on the basis of a similar structure of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region. A particular role in their implementation is given to UN peacekeepers. What is of principal importance here is that the assistance to the mechanism from the UN Stabilization Mission be carried out in line fully with its mandate which is enshrined in security council resolution 2808. We took note of the letter sent by the Secretary General which contains proposals on the future parameters for increasing the involvement of monusco. It's important to note here that the UN colleagues stated there, black on white, that in order to expand the missions participation in the Doha Monitoring Mechanism, what is needed is that the parties to the conflict need to implement the obligations in practice which now continue being on paper only.

And we would like to thank the Secretariat for professionally compiled information and for their balanced analysis. Take into account the way the situation is developing. It is very clear that the conditions for that right now are not there. Furthermore, under current conditions, if we are going to start talking about further adaptation of the Monusco mandate, well, that will be not just counterproductive, it will be dangerous. Otherwise, the death of UNICEF staff will not be the last fatal case amongst the UN staff and peacekeepers.

What is needed here is a careful and flexible approach. Any serious changes to the mandate of the mission have to take into account the real situation on the ground. And this, inter alia, applies also to the potential deployment of peacekeepers in South Kivu. This is something that a separate Security Council decision will be needed. We, for our part, as a permanent member of the Council, will continue contributing to the development of a constructive dialogue amongst all states in the Great Lakes region in order to find balanced and lasting solutions.

I thank you for your attention.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. And I welcome your presence today and your presiding over this meeting. And I also wish to thank you for all your personal efforts towards outpace in Africa. And I thank Deputy SRSG Vivian Van de Per for the briefing at the outset. Allow me to express Latvia's support to Monusco and thank all uniformed personnel and civilian staff for the work in very challenging circumstances.

Monusco's multidimensional support remains essential for advancing peace and stability in the drc. And manuscript's protection is critical for the hundreds of thousands trapped in a cycle of violence and displacement. Latvia is deeply concerned by the dire security and humanitarian situation in the east. And we condemned the 11 March ground strike in Goma that killed UNICEF aid worker. And we express our sincere condolences and join the calls for 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. Mr. President, I'll make three points. First, we do support all efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Eastern drc. And we commend the United States, Qatar and the African Union for their peace efforts and the progress achieved so far in this context.

We also note last week's joint statement by the Governments of the United States, the DRC and Rwanda on advancing the Washington Accords. And we hope to see diplomatic progress finally translate into material improvement in the situation on the ground. And as we heard in the briefing, it is concerning that hostilities in the Eastern DRC have continued despite the repeated calls of this Council, notably the resolutions 2773 and 2808 and despite the agreements achieved through mediation. We urge all parties to implement their applications and commitments in good faith. We call on Rwanda to cease its support to M23 and withdraw its troops from the DSE.

And we also call for neutralization of the FDLR and cessation of support to this 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 observation and verification mechanism agreed in the Doha process and as confirmed by the Secretary General. MONUSCO stands ready to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire provided necessary conditions are in place and we support the approach proposed by the Secretary General and 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 is provided with adequate funding and capabilities to support ceasefire monitoring and verification while fully delivering its core mandate in North Kievl and Etouri, most importantly with regard to protection of civilians. Third, human lives are the ultimate price of this conflict. Many have been lost, even more scarred.

We condemned the widespread violations and abuses of human rights across the Eastern DRC by non state and state actors, including recruitment and exploitation of children and conflict related sexual violence. We recall this dark testimony by at the beginning of December women and girls tell that sexual violence is not simply feared, it is expected. It is a harrowing reality. Surely this 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.

Investigative mechanisms needs to be part of it. In conclusion, Mr. President, I would like to use this opportunity to welcome the appointment of of the new Special Representative James Swan and Latvia reiterates its commitment to sovereignty, unity, integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the shared objective of lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in the DRC and we stand ready to lend our voice and effort towards this objective. I thank you,

I thank the representative of Latvia for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you Mr. President.

We would like to welcome and thank you, welcome you and thank you for presiding over this meeting and we thank you for your significant efforts to find negotiated solutions. We'd like to thank the Deputy Special Representative Vivienne Van de Per for her briefing which was particularly useful to understand the recent developments in the Kivus and in Ituri. We also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Rwanda at this session.

The situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains deeply concerning the territorial expansion of the Congo River alliance and the M23, the ongoing clashes with the Armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the increasing use of armed drones, changing the nature of the conflict and increasing risks for the population. Panama takes note of the progress achieved in the Washington and Doha processes as well as the gradual activation of the Enhanced Joint Verification Mechanism whose planned deployment in Uvira may help to create minimum conditions of trust at a particularly sensitive time.

At the same time, we continue to be concerned by restrictions on Monusco's freedom of movement in areas under the control of armed actors, as well as operational limitations resulting from recent adjustments in its deployment. Preserving its preventive presence in critical areas will continue to be essential in supporting the ceasefire architecture currently being built. The human dimension of the conflict also remains alarming. More than 6 million people are internally displaced and over 26 million face severe levels of food insecurity.

Furthermore, the cholera outbreak, the most severe in decades, adds additional pressure on already overstretched local systems. We also condemn the March 11 attack in Goma that claimed the life of civilians, including a UNICEF staff member. And this requires due investigation. And we reiterate our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as our solidarity with all those affected by this tragic event. Mr. President, Panama considers it is essential to continue to strengthen coherence among regional efforts led by Africa, the ceasefire, verification initiatives and inclusive political dialogue within the country.

The sustainable reduction of violence will largely depend on this convergence. In the context of Monusco's gradual transition, it will be key to ensure that this process advances 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 member of this Council, and for efforts aimed at building lasting peace in the eastern part of the country. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Panama for the statement. I give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. President, allow me at the outset to express the Kingdom of Bahrain's appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Mashad Boulos, Senior Adviser to the US President for Arab and African affairs, for presiding over the session, an act that reflects a high level of interest in the stability of the Great Lakes region. I also extend My thanks to Ms. Vivian van de Per, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Interim Head of Monusco, for her valuable briefing.

We commend the efforts undertaken by Monusco amidst complex challenges. We also welcome the representative of the Republic of Rwanda in today's meeting. Mr. President, this session is held at a time when the situation in Eastern DRC is marked by a stark paradox. Diplomatic efforts on the one hand aimed at de escalation and ongoing tensions on the ground on the other, undermining prospects for stability. On the diplomatic front, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomes the renewed diplomatic momentum in support of the peace process, particularly the Doha and Washington tracks as well as the progress made in operationalizing the expanded Joint Verification Mechanism EJV M plots.

We also welcome the mediation efforts led by the African Union and regional partners as fundamental pillars for promoting regional coordination and bolstering stability in the region.

In this context, we reiterate our call for full compliance with Security Council Resolution 2773 of 2024 for an unconditional ceasefire and for ensuring humanitarian access. We also express concern regarding the continued violations. Mr. President, before presenting my country's position, the Kingdom of Bahrain extends its sincere condolences to the family of the UNICEF staff member Ms. Karen Buit, who lost her life alongside two others following a drone attack targeting the city of Goma on March 11. We stress that targeting civilians and humanitarian workers is an unacceptable and unjustifiable violation. We emphasize the need for ensuring their safety.

This is a legal and moral obligation that must remain inviolable under all circumstances. Mr. President, we would like to underscore the three key messages. These three key 1. MONUSCO remains a fundamental pillar in supporting stability. We emphasize the importance of fully enabling the mission to fulfill its mandate, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and the support of the ceasefire in accordance with resolutions 2773 of 2024 and 2808 of 2025.

2. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, remains a paramount priority. Full humanitarian access should be ensured and the international humanitarian law should be strictly respected. 3. The Kingdom of Bahrain aligns itself with the Secretary General's report in condemning the activities of M23 and other armed groups which continue to undermine stability in Eastern drc.

In this context, the report highlights the persistence of hostilities and an escalation of violations against civilians, including those resulting from military operations and the use of drones, which confirms the urgent need to halt the escalation and it confirms the urgent need for de escalation. It is important to ensure an immediate de escalation, respect the sovereignty of the DRC and address the root causes of the conflict. Furthermore, we attach paramount importance to supporting and strengthening disarmament, demobilization and re reintegration programs. DDR programs as they are a pivotal step to consolidate stability. Stability and rebuild trust Mr. President,.

We. Firmly believe that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Eastern drc.

Inclusive political dialogue remains the only way for achieving sustainable peace. In this spirit, we look forward to seeing current diplomatic efforts yield tangible results that alleviate the suffering of the Congolese people. Accordingly, we stress that the fundamental principles of the international order, mainly respect for state sovereignty and the protection of Civilians must be applied consistently and without selectivity. The credibility of the international order is measured not only by the principles we endorse, but by our commitment to implementing them. For this responsibility is collective and inaction is not an option.

Guided by this principle, we stress that the brutal Iranian aggression on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, manifested through missile and drone attacks, as well as the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter. It undermines the foundations of regional security and stability. Respect for state sovereignty and the protection of civilians are not mere options. Rather, they constitute an indivisible legal and moral obligation, one that must remain a steadfast civilization standard to be upheld in all crises from the Great Lakes region to our own region. In conclusion, we reiterate our full commitment to supporting all international and regional efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region, thereby promoting collective security and safeguarding human dignity everywhere.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank the representative of Bahrain for the statement and I give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you. We are pleased to see you preside over this meeting and I would also like to welcome the participation of the distinguished Permanent Representative of Rwanda to this session.

President I join colleagues in thanking the Deputy SRSG for her briefing. We also thank the Secretary General for his letter of 27 February and for the latest report on Manusco, which together provide an objective assessment of developments in the DRC and the Mission's prospective role in supporting ceasefire monitoring arrangements. The report underscores both the urgency of stabilizing the situation on ground and the continued relevance of MANISCO as an impartial force capable of supporting peace and advancing the protection efforts in the current circumstances. President Pakistan shares the concerns regarding the continued deterioration of the security situation in north and South Kyiv. Despite commitments undertaken under the Doha Framework and the Washington agreement, the AFC M23 continues its offences and territorial expansion.

This trend undermines confidence in the peace process, the peace processes and further complicates monuscu's ability to implement its mandate. We stress the urgent need for full implementation of Resolution 2773, including secession of hostilities, M23's withdrawal 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 MNUSCO as mandated in Resolution 2808 at the same time, it is clear that an actual ceasefire has not yet taken hold on ground. In this context, the Secretary General's emphasis on a phased and conditions based approach to MONISCUS role in ceasefire monitoring is both prudent and necessary. The conditions outlined in the SG's letter, particularly 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 MNISCO in ceasefire monitoring.

The safety and security of peacekeepers must remain central to any future decisions regarding MINUSCO's deployment posture. President the SG'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. Out of the 11,500 troop strength sanctioned by this council, only 7,879 remain on 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 and 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 manisco, including potential ceasefire monitoring tasks, be matched with commensurate resources, including personnel and capabilities to implement the mandate effectively and safely. Pakistan believes that MNISCO remains uniquely positioned to support stabilization efforts and protection of civilians. The mission's institutional experience, logistical reach and presence in key population centers are critical. We therefore are open to considering a strengthened role of manuscript, including in South Kivu once conditions on the ground permit. President 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 United Nations Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region. These initiatives, mutually reinforcing and anchored in the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we hope will bring durable peace and stability in the region. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, allow me to welcome you to this session of the Security Council and to thank the Deputy Special Representative Viviane Van de Per for her detailed briefing. Colombia values the willingness to find a negotiated solution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and under the principles of non interference, good neighborliness and REGIONAL cooperation In this regard, my country welcomes the outcomes of the high level meeting held on the 17th of January in Lome 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 honoring what has been agreed in diplomatic processes, including the Washington and Doha Agreements, in order to move forwards towards a peace that benefits the entire Great Lakes region. It is up to the parties to demonstrate political will and to fulfill their commitments, thereby creating the conditions necessary that will allow Monusko to fully carry out its mandate and to safely and effectively support the ceasefire verification architecture.

Colombia is concerned about the ongoing worsening of the security situation in contravention of Resolution 2773 of 2025. The reopening of the airports in Goma and Bukavu continue to remain critical for full, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access. We strongly condemn the recent attacks against civilians and humanitarian personnel and we would remind all parties of their obligation to strictly respect international humanitarian law. We also would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the events that occurred in Gomar on March 11th. Mr. President, Columbia firmly supports the work of Monusco and highlights the mission's commitment to local and community mediation, including the training of 121 peace actors, 58 of whom are women.

Likewise, my delegation values efforts for specialized training in the prevention of gender based violence, conflict related sexual violence and child protection, as well as the creation of Gender Observatory for the Washington and Doha processes. We hope that these efforts will continue under the guidance of Mr. James Swan, whose appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary General and head of Monusco. We welcome with satisfaction. We wish him every success in this role. Thank you.

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

Thank you. And I will join others in thanking you, Mr. Bullas, for presiding over this meeting today. My thanks also to Deputy Special Representative Van Den Per for her briefing.

President, 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 drc. 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 security council resolution 2773 is fully implemented, including an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the ending of Rwandan Defence forces support to M23 and their withdrawal from DRC territory. Second, the United Kingdom welcomes and supports the Secretary General's proposal for a phased, scalable and conditions based approach for minisco support to ceasefire monitoring as authorised by Security Council Resolution 2808.

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 DRC, 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 thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Representative of the United States States.

Thank you Deputy Srsg. Van der Per, for your briefing and effective stewardship of Monusco over the last several months. In that regard, I also want to welcome the appointment of Jim Swan as the new Special Representative of the Secretary General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and head of Monusco Council members. Let me first underscore that resolving the conflict in the Eastern DRC is a matter of highest priority for President Trump and Secretary Rubio. Their strong leadership and sustained commitment have helped move the region beyond decades of violence and failed diplomacy toward a new era of of hope and opportunity.

The Washington Accords joint declaration, signed December 4, 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 launchpad for the broader peace process. We all recognize that resolving a conflict as complex and deeply rooted in as that in the east and DRC will not happen overnight. It will require patience, sustained engagement and collective effort by the parties themselves, by African partners and by the wider international community.

The Accords are built on a good faith commitment by both countries and both leaders to move beyond confrontation and toward a path of dialogue, cooperation and lasting stability. In parallel, the Doha framework provides a complementary track focusing on direct engagement between the government of the DRC and the 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 mediation process led by President Lorenzo of Angola and by the Togolese President for Nassimbe. By engaging civil society, armed groups and humanitarian actors on the ground, the AU's mediation will help make the peace sustainable.

All these processes are essential and complementary, and the United States remains actively engaged in supporting their implementation as well as that of the UN Security Council Resolution 2773. 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 Forces and four senior RDF generals. We will continue to explore all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine peace. We reiterate our call for the lifting of 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 drc. At the same time, the Government of the DRC has committed to immediately neutralize the fdlr, at least in the areas under its control.

These steps are essential to addressing the security concerns that have fueled mistrust and instability in the region. Lasting peace will also require the restoration of full state authority by the government of the DRC. 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 confront directly one of the most enduring drivers of conflict in Eastern DRC 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 fueling instability across the Great Lakes region. It has enabled a shadow economy that has persisted for far too long. Any Durable peace in eastern DRC 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 March 11 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 in 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 purpose of ceasefire monitoring. The mission is fully prepared to expand its role in ceasefire monitoring and verification as outlined in the UN Secretary General's February 27th letter. 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 this includes respecting the ceasefire that has been in place since the July 19, 2025 Declaration of Principles between the M23 and the government of the DRC. Colleagues, while the challenges ahead are significant, the frameworks now in place provide a credible and enforceable path toward 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 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 drc, Rwanda and the entire Great Lakes region.

I resume my function as President of the Council.

I now give the floor to the representative of Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. President. I thank you for your presence today and for your personal efforts in this role of mediation. I thank you for giving me the floor and I thank the Deputy ACRSG for her briefing today. Also welcome the appointment of Mr. Swan in this role and we pledge the support of Rwanda throughout his term. So 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. Mr. President, the conflict in the Eastern DRC is not of Rwanda's making. Rwanda's concern has always been the FDLL and the genocidal ideology it carries. An ideology that is now spreading in public discourse. The FDR 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 our country suffered as a result of that ideology. After 31 years of discussion in this chamber on the origins and intentions of fdr, 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 FDR is indispensable to any credible and lasting solution to the conflict in Eastern drc. This group must be neutralized and their ideology and its vectors, 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 Eastern DRC are also shaped by the internal dynamics that require Congolese led solutions and sustained attention to the root causes of the conflict. In this regard, the Doha Framework for Peace 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 Peace Agreement 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, 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 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. Mr. President, 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 Ngoma 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 plateau and the other affected areas continue to bear the consequences of escalating aerial attacks. And allow me, Mr. President, in all humility, to mention just some of these attacks, such that they can find their place in the records of the Council and can possibly inform the Council members in your future deliberations. On January 22, on January 24, 12 February 7, March 9, March 19 March, and as recently as yesterday, there were drone strikes in the area of Minemwe and some parts of North Kivu. In all these attacks, civilians were killed.

All their cows, their lifelines were killed. All residents were not able to go out and do the farming. So I hope these two will be considered. And the dates are of essence. The dates are of essence.

Allow me to conclude by reiterating Rwanda's commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement and our continued support of the Doha Framework for Peace. The agreements reached under these processes must now be translated into concrete progress on the ground. The effective functioning of 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 we shall play our part honestly and fully.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Council members for your attention.

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

Thank you very much, Mr. President. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes you. A present Mr. Masad Boulos, the main advisor on Arab and African affairs to President Trump. And we thank Ms. Vivian van der Per, the Deputy Special Representative of Secretary General and the interim head of minusca. We thank her for the briefing.

We also use this opportunity so is to pay tribute to Munisko personnel who continue discharging their mandate under conditions which are particularly difficult and dangerous. Please allow me to also, on behalf of my government, to send my most heartfelt condolences to France, the United nations and the big humanitarian family and the immediate families of the four people who perished in the incident of 11 March 2026. Ms. Caribisse, a French national working for UNICEF who had spent her life in the service of humankind and three other Congress nationals. My government follows the situation very closely and the verifications are now proceeding. We are intending to shed light on the exact circumstances which led to this tragedy in Goma.

Goma, which is currently under the control of M23, supported by Rwanda.

For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the protection of the civilian population and humanitarian personnel remains a constant priority. Mr. President, I didn't want to take the floor at this stage, especially after the A3 statement was made, of which we are part. But having heard the statement made by the representative of Rwanda, I feel compelled to say a few words in my national capacity. We align ourselves with a statement by the A3, but we would like to express our deep indignation given the continued hostility in the east of our country in flagrant violation of the commitments undertaken within the Washington and Doha processes. The Secretary General's report is unambiguous here.

The offensives by M23 continue with the support from the Rwanda Defense Forces. This was established at the highest level of the United nations and it confirms the grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country. On the ground, this coalition of MDR and the Rwanda Defense Forces continue establishing parallel administrations and threatening new military advances. The consequences for the civilian population are dramatic. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, including women and children.

Millions of people have been displaced and grave serious violations of human rights have been documented and the M23 was identified as the main perpetrators of this. In Goma and Bukavu and everywhere the territory under the control of the Wandan forces. The.

Life prospect of for the Congolese people has dropped down to 24, which is a genuine genocide and this cannot be made a relative fact. This is a not simple incidence. These are grave violations of international law and a direct attempt on the authority of the Security Council. In this context, the DRC calls for the immediate implementation. Comprehensive implementation of resolution 2717, specifically the withdrawal of the Rwanda Defense Forces from the Congolese territory and the immediate cessation of Hostilities by the M23

Simply thank you, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the statement.

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 the sincere appreciation of the delegation of the United States to the members of the Council and to the Secretariat of the Council for all the support they've 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. The meeting is adjourned. It.