Statement delivered by His Excellency Micheal Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Madam President,

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

We thank Ms. Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and head of MONUSCO, for her insightful briefing and exemplary leadership of the Mission.

We take note of the contribution of Ms. Passy Mubalama, Founder of the Action and Development Initiative for the Protection of Women and Children (AIDPROFEN)

We warmly welcome the participation of H.E. Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, of DRC, and the Representative of Rwanda in this meeting.

We take note of the recent visit of Chair accompanied by members of the 1533 Committee, to Angola, DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda and thank them for their efforts.

Madam President,

The frustration and distress felt by the people of eastern DRC are palpable and understandably so. It is therefore urgent for the international community to continue supporting the peace process and the DRC Government to address the multifaceted challenges undermining the country’s stability.

In light of the foregoing, let me highlight a few key points.

First, we reiterate our strong support for the ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. We welcome the outcomes of the sixth Ministerial meeting held in Luanda, including the approval of the concept of operation for the harmonized plans on the neutralization of the FDLR and the disengagement of forces, under the mediation efforts of President João Lourenço. This is a standing crisis in eastern DRC under the Luanda Process.

We also commend the conclusion of the 6th Ministerial meeting that emphasizes the need for continued negotiations on the remaining aspects of the draft agreement, as submitted by President João Lourenço, and his initiative to hold a summit at the highest political level on December 15, 2024.

The launch of the revised Ad hoc Verification Mechanism is pivotal not only for monitoring the ceasefire but also in complementing the ongoing efforts for peace in eastern DRC.

We fully support Angola’s request for MONUSCO’s assistance in this regard and welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SRSG Keita and His Excellency Tete Antonio, Minister of External Relations of Angola.

Second, while the mediation efforts between DRC and Rwanda continue under the Luanda process, the A3+ is deeply concerned by the continued offensive of the M23 in violation of the cease fire.

We acknowledge that the issue of the proliferation of armed groups is a central aspect of the peace process in the DRC and call on all external supporters of various armed groups to cease their backing of such groups. We strongly condemn the actions of all armed groups and more especially the M23’s territorial expansion, including the establishment of parallel administrations in mining areas, particularly in the Rubayah mining site.

The A3+ also condemns all forms of support for other armed groups, including the FDLR, ADF, and the Wazalendo militia in North Kivu. We call for the reinvigoration of the Nairobi Process, as the presence of more than 200 armed groups in DRC is a grave threat, not only to the country but also to regional stability in the Great Lakes.

Third, we express our continued support for the work of MONUSCO and call on all parties to respect the Mission’s mandate.

We remain alarmed by the continued restrictions on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement and mandated activities and call for MONUSCO to be allowed to carry out its mandate without further hindrance.

We express our support and urge MONUSCO to continue its coordination with SAMIDRC, in line with Resolution 2746, as part of the efforts to ensure that peace and stability are restored to the region.

Finally, Madam President, we express our deep concern for the protection of civilians in the DRC. We urge all parties to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilian lives and to fully comply with international humanitarian law.

In conclusion, we call on all members of the Security Council to engage constructively in the upcoming discussions on the renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate.

I thank you.