Statement delivered by H.E. Micheal Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council briefing on the 'Situation Concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo'

Mr. President,

I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of members of the A3+, namely, Algeria, Guyana, Mozambique and my own country Sierra Leone.

At the outset, the A3+ would like to express its gratitude to SRSG Keita for her leadership and efforts, as well as those of her team. We highly appreciate her valuable briefing today on the situation in DRC. We take note of the briefing by the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1533 concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo and we have also listened attentively to the insights of Ms. Therese Nzale and we welcome the participation of the representatives of the DRC, Angola and Rwanda in today’s discussions.

Mr. President,

As the Council convenes once more to address the situation in the DRC, it is important to remember the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, including children. Many of these children have known only war from the time of their birth, and tragically, many have died in it. These children and their families have a strong desire for one thing: PEACE. The Council must therefore continue to support all efforts aimed at achieving peace in the DRC.

Mr. President,

The A3+ extends its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the situation in the DRC and the activities of MONUSCO. Having carefully considered the report, we wish to emphasize the following points.

First, we welcome the ceasefire agreement reached between the government of the DRC and Rwanda, under the mediation efforts of President Joao Lourenco of Angola. We believe that the effective supervision of the reinforced ad-hoc verification mechanism is crucial for ensuring the ceasefire’s full implementation. We urge MONUSCO to provide robust support to this mechanism, particularly the operationalization of a plan to neutralize the FDLR as outlined in the ceasefire agreement.

We also reaffirm the position of the AU Peace and Security Council that the Nairobi and Luanda processes remain the most viable frameworks for resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. It is essential to continue strengthening these processes. We therefore welcome the ongoing engagement between the DRC and Rwanda to jointly address their respective security concerns. We urge their continued commitment to dialogue and cooperation in the interest of both the Congolese and Rwandan peoples.

Second, despite the ceasefire agreement, the A3+ remains gravely concerned about the security situation in the DRC, particularly in South Kivu. The effectiveness of the ceasefire is undermined by the daily confrontations between the M23, the Wazalendo, and FDLR forces, despite the agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.

It is civilians who continue to bear the brunt of the hostilities, as seen in recent shelling of camps for internally displaced persons. The A3+ condemns these attacks in the strongest terms and calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and to prioritize the protection of civilians. We further deplore all actions that undermine the ceasefire reached by the DRC and Rwanda. We are thus deeply concerned by the presence of foreign armed groups in eastern Congo, a serious violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Third, we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the DRC, characterized by an unprecedented displacement crisis, the presence of epidemics especially the Mpox virus, and grave violations of international humanitarian law. We have noted that the resurgence of the Mpox virus has seen an alarming increase among children and commend the efforts of the WHO in declaring Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern.

While we welcome the steps taken to ameliorate the situation, the A3+ is of the view that additional efforts are needed to o safeguard the health of the Congolese people, who are already grappling with the effects of a multidimensional conflicts. We therefore call on Member States to support efforts to curb the spread of the virus by ensuring the availability of the necessary vaccines and other resources. According to the Africa CDC, there are only 200,000 vaccines available, while at least 10 million doses are required to halt the spread.

Fourth and finally, the A3+ welcomes the completion of phase one of the disengagement plan, particularly the adherence to strict environmental protocols in alignment with UN standards. We also acknowledge the signing of the provisional roadmap for the transition in South Kivu. We emphasize the importance of consolidating the transfer of responsibilities to provincial and national authorities and of strengthening national institutions and capacities, particularly on the protection of civilians. This is the only way to ensure that security vacuums are not left on MONUSCO’s withdrawal, providing opportunities for armed groups to fill those vacuums.

In conclusion, the A3+ urges the UN to continue its close cooperation with the Government of the DRC in protecting civilians and addressing the ongoing humanitarian and health crises in the country. These efforts are critical, especially for the children affected by the conflict. Lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for the Congolese people will only be achieved through progress on the political front.

I thank you!