Explanation of Position delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, following the Adoption of a UN Security Council Resolution on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ Member States, namely Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and my own country, Guyana. 

Let me begin by expressing appreciation to your delegation and the French delegation for ably steering the process for the development of this resolution which was adopted today. 

Mr. President,

This resolution comes at a critical period for the DRC and the region, given the challenging security situation that continues to prevail in the DRC’s eastern provinces principally owing to the activities of armed groups operating in the territory. The A3+ is of the firm view that a permanent solution to the problem of these armed groups requires strong support and political will at the national, regional and international levels. There are already mechanisms in place at each of these levels to counter the threat posed by these armed groups – these mechanisms only need to be consistently and strategically activated.

At the national level, it is critical to accelerate implementation of the Nairobi process to sustainably address the problem of local armed groups. Simultaneously, the DRC Government must continue its efforts towards having a strong state presence throughout the eastern DRC. This is a critical part of achieving security and stability – a well-equipped and functioning state apparatus that can effectively administer the territory, countering all threats.

At the regional level, the A3+ emphasizes the critical contributions of organizations such as the African Union (AU), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in addressing the protracted conflict in the eastern DRC. Mechanisms such as the Luanda process and the PSC Framework are also important for addressing peace and security issues in the region and for reducing tensions between countries.

We commend the role that President João Lourenço of Angola is playing in facilitating engagement between the DRC and Rwanda under the Luanda process and welcome the recent ceasefire brokered under this framework. We urge the parties to demonstrate the necessary political will to ensure that the ceasefire leads to a permanent de-escalation of tensions and to the development of good neighbourly relations and strong cooperation for the benefit of the Congolese and Rwandan people.

Mr. President,

While we acknowledge the potential for strong action at the national and regional levels, the A3+ underscores that the Security Council has a key role to play in achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern DRC, in keeping with its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Consequently, it must continue to support regional interventions geared towards ending the conflict. The A3+ was therefore pleased that the resolution was adopted unanimously. We believe this resolution now provides a firm platform for cooperation between the SAMIDRC and MONUSCO forces which will ultimately contribute to building capacity, increasing security, and reducing protection risks for civilians.

Ultimately, we hope that the DRC security forces will continue to be strengthened and be able to fully assume all security responsibilities for the eastern provinces in the near term. 

The A3+ remains committed to working with all Council members as we seek a swift end to the conflict in the eastern DRC and support the DRC Government in creating conditions conducive for peace to be sustainably established.

I thank you.