Statement delivered by H.E. Micheal Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on '​The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo'

Mr. President, 

Thank you for convening this emergency meeting of the Security Council. 

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ members: Algeria, Guyana, Somalia, and my own country, Sierra Leone. 

At the outset, we pay tribute to the brave peacekeepers, MONUSCO personnel, and other UN staff who are risking their lives in the pursuit of peace and the protection of civilians in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We also honour those peacekeepers and SAMIDRC personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace. Our deepest condolences go to their families, and to the governments and people of South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay. 

We express our gratitude to Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in MONUSCO, for her comprehensive briefing on the dire situation on the ground. 

We also welcome the participation of Her Excellency Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the DRC, as well as the representatives of all other participating States in this meeting. 

Mr. President, 

We commend the swift convening of this emergency meeting. In less than 72 hours, the Security Council has convened for a second time to address the rapidly evolving situation in the eastern DRC. The A3+ is deeply concerned about the volatility of the situation, the ongoing conflict, and the resulting stalemate, which presents a high risk of a broader regional conflict. 

We have listened attentively to Ms. van de Perre’s briefing, and it is clear that the people of Goma, and indeed the wider Congolese population, deserve more than a temporary cessation of the M23/AFC offensive. They need the guns to be silenced through a comprehensive political process that will not only end their suffering but also guarantee respect for the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

In this regard, we make the following points: 

First, we call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a restoration of calm in Goma. We urge the M23/AFC to cease its advances, and for all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to ensure the protection of civilians. Given the unpredictable and volatile nature of the situation in Goma and surrounding areas, it is imperative that all efforts, whether from MONUSCO or other actors, focus on safeguarding the population from harm. 

Given Goma’s critical role in facilitating access to the region, all efforts to protect civilians must also address the need for humanitarian access, as well as the safety and security of UN peacekeepers and SAMIDRC personnel. 

The M23/AFC must refrain from obstructing humanitarian assistance or closing humanitarian corridors. The A3+ stresses the critical need for uninterrupted aid to reach the most vulnerable and reminds all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilian lives and ensure the delivery of aid to those in need. 

Second, as we have stated before, the situation in eastern DRC will not be resolved through military means. It requires a political solution, supported by diplomacy and regional cooperation. Since our last meeting on Sunday, we have seen significant African diplomatic efforts to support the Congolese people and encourage both the DRC and Rwanda to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. 

We recognize the leadership of President William Ruto of Kenya, who has called for an East African Community meeting that will take place in the coming hours. Earlier today, the African Union Peace and Security Council convened an Emergency Ministerial meeting in Addis Ababa. 

These regional efforts are commendable, but what is needed now is the commitment of both Rwanda and the DRC to engage in direct negotiations under the Luanda Process, in good faith, with the support of all these initiatives to bring a prompt resolution to the situation in Goma. We strongly call on both Rwanda and the DRC to fully engage under the Luanda Process, which is being led by the African Union’s designated mediator, His Excellency João Lourenço, President of Angola, to resolve the outstanding issues between them. 

We are aware that the longer this deadlock persists, the greater the risk of further escalation, which will become increasingly difficult to contain. If the political leadership of Rwanda and the DRC can engage in direct talks, there is hope for delivering much-needed relief to the Congolese people. 

Third, to achieve a lasting solution that fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, while also addressing Rwanda’s security concerns, it is critical for both countries to fully implement their commitments under the Luanda Process. The A3+ remains convinced that the Luanda Process offers the best pathway to peace in the DRC. Through this process, a ceasefire agreement was reached, though regrettably breached, along with an agreement on a harmonized plan, reinforced ad-hoc verification mechanism, and a comprehensive concept of operations. 

The A3+ calls on all parties to honor their commitments under the Luanda Process. Given the unfortunate developments on the ground, and in pursuit of peace and stability in the DRC and the wider region, the A3+ urges the Government of Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC territories without preconditions and without delay, and to cease its reported support to the M23/AFC. Similarly, we urge the Government of the DRC to sever its ties with the FDLR and to implement its commitment to neutralize this group. 

We also regret that President Lourenço of Angola had no choice but to evacuate members of the Reinforced Ad-hoc Verification Mechanism due to the untenable security situation in eastern DRC. While the ceasefire agreement has been violated, the Mechanism remains incomplete and has not been fully operationalized. 

Fourth, the natural wealth of the DRC must translate into prosperity for its people. All actors, both local and external, who continue to illegally exploit the country’s resources and fuel the conflict must be held accountable. 

Mr. President, 

The A3+ expresses deep concern and regret over the reported attacks on embassies in Kinshasa amidst protests related to the M23/AFC rebel group’s offensive in eastern DRC. These acts against diplomatic missions and their personnel violate international law.

As we acknowledge the legitimate concerns of the Congolese people regarding the security situation in eastern DRC and the activities of the M23 rebel group, we call for the protection of diplomatic missions and strongly urge all parties to refrain from violence, respect diplomatic norms, and exercise restraint. Peaceful and constructive engagement remains the most effective way to address these pressing issues.   

In closing, we are all well aware of the critical importance of Goma to the Congolese people. Goma is the heart of the DRC. Allowing this vital city to remain under the control of a rebel group sends a disturbing message about the ability, or willingness, of the international community to prevent threats to international peace and security from flourishing. It is a moral imperative for all actors, including this Council, to act decisively to address the unfolding situation in Goma and to tackle the structural root causes of this conflict. 

I thank you.