Explanation of Vote delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the Adoption of Security Council Resolution on the Democratic Republic of Congo

Thank you, Mr. President,

Guyana welcomes the adoption of the resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Council’s firm response to the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC. We thank France, the penholder,  for their efforts in bringing us to this point.

Guyana voted for the resolution with the hope that today’s decision by the Security Council will provide positive momentum to the regional efforts to achieve a ceasefire, prevent any further escalations and ultimately find a sustainable political solution to this decades-long conflict.

We reiterate our demand for the M23 to cease hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the territory of the DRC. Likewise, we reiterate our call for the DRC to sever all ties with and neutralise the FDLR. 

We call upon both countries to urgently implement their commitments under the Luanda and Nairobi processes, abide by the decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council, and prioritize dialogue and the well-being of their citizens that would lead to peace and a final resolution to this conflict. 

Guyana further underscores the need for full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and reiterates its commitment to working with all Council members to address the ongoing crisis and mitigate the risk of a regional conflict. 

I thank you.