Statement by Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Samuel Žbogar at the UNSC meeting on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Mr. President,

I also want to thank SRSG Keita for her briefing today and I welcome the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of Rwanda to the chamber.

We have heard both encouraging developments and grave warnings. Eastern DRC remains at turning point.

What is at stake now, to move from peace as a promise to a sustainable peace, is credibility: credible dialogue, credible commitments, credible restraint on the ground, and credible protection for civilians.

Mr. President,

Recent months brought notable steps in mediation efforts: the Washington Peace Agreement, the Doha Declaration of Principles, and the establishment of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism and Joint Oversight Committee. We welcomed all these steps.

They must be implemented in lockstep and harmonized with African-led efforts under the AU, SADC and EAC track, so that political understandings translate into verifiable security measures. The architecture is being established – harmonization will be the key for results that are consistent, credible and sustained.

And this raises a very important point – credible and good-faith conduct by conflict actors. Parties entering mediation must demonstrate it in deeds, measured by behavior, not only in communiqués. That includes withdrawal of forces as well as neutralization of FDLR.

Colleagues,

True peace shows in restraint—not expansion. Yet ongoing actions by M23, reportedly supported by Rwanda Defense Forces, are not compatible with de-escalation. Expanding territorial control and deepening parallel administrative structures erode the very confidence needed to sustain credible dialogue.

Meanwhile, civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden. The latest reporting period recorded a rise in civilian fatalities largely from M23 and ADF operations. The humanitarian situation is among the most severe globally, yet access is obstructed and humanitarian operations crippled by insecurity, restrictions, and the continued closure of vital infrastructure such as Goma airport.

Our position remains clear:  We condemn in the strongest terms the targeting of civilians and the deliberate obstruction of humanitarian activities. Impunity cannot prevail. Accountability must form part of any credible settlement.

Mr. President,

A sustainable way forward includes credible national dialogue – inclusive by design and anchored in accountability. We join those welcoming the steps in that direction. Inclusivity is not a slogan; it also means the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at every stage. Women peacebuilders and mediators must co-shape the outcomes.

MONUSCO continues to have a vital role in protecting civilians and supporting conditions for progress. Yet the Mission is systematically undermined: freedom of movement denied in areas outside government control; water and electricity to its bases cut; fuel and resupply obstructed; the closure of Goma airport crippling operations.

These restrictions are unacceptable, they strip credibility from peace efforts and must be lifted without delay.

Mr. President, in conclusion,

This Council’s expectations are clear, particularly through resolution 2773: cease hostilities, ensure full and unhindered access for MONUSCO and humanitarian actors, implement commitments in good faith, and place civilians at the center.

Anything less prolongs suffering and undermines the credibility of peace.

I thank you.

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