Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC meeting on the Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thank you Madam President.

I wish to thank SRSG Keita for her briefing and Ms. Slente for her contribution to today’s meeting.

Madam President,

Slovenia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in eastern DRC. We are particularly concerned for all civilians who bear the heaviest burden of this conflict. As we have heard again today, current M23 offensive, supported by the Rwanda defence forces, continues to destabilize eastern DRC and the broader Great Lakes region. The region is being pushed to the brink of war.

I wish to make three points in this respect:

First – We are deeply troubled by the ongoing reports of persistent and serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses, particularly reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence. We strongly condemn any violence targeting civilians.

We denounce the actions of armed groups including M23, ADF, CODECO, Zaire, FDLR, those operating under the Wazalendo or VDP labels, as well as reported violations of FARDC members. Such violations are abhorrent and all perpetrators must be held to account.  

We are concerned that the full extent of it may not be clear yet due to significant challenges in monitoring and verification. We welcome and emphasize the importance of the work of the Fact-finding mission and the independent Commission of Inquiry in this respect.  

Second – It is deeply regrettable that calls, regional or international – including from this Council – for immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and withdrawal from occupied territories have not been fully heard and respected.

We wish to recall that resolutions of this Council, including 2773 which calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal from occupied territories, are legally binding and must be implemented.

We call on M23 to end its advances and withdraw immediately as the rapid offensive is pushing the entire region into insecurity.

We also continue to call, in line with its CONOPS commitments, on Rwanda, to withdraw its military presence from the DRC’s territory and to cease its support for M23, and on the DRC to end its cooperation with the FDLR and any other armed group.

Third – M23’s restrictions on MONUSCO and humanitarian actors in Goma and occupied areas in North Kivu are unacceptable as they impede mandated and critical operations amid a growing protection crisis. MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate must be fully respected. Operational freedom for MONUSCO must be ensured.

M23 must immediately lift all restrictions impacting peacekeepers, as well as humanitarian and medical personnel. Attacks on them and threats against their safety and the safety of their facilities are inexcusable. We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. Humanitarian workers must not be targeted and should be protected.

Unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be granted. Airports in Goma and Kavumu must be reopened and made accessible, so that humanitarian assistance, and the rotation of UN peacekeepers and other personnel, can proceed.

Madam President, in conclusion,

As in all other situations before this Council, Slovenia will actively support all meaningful efforts toward durable peace.

We welcome the recent meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame in Doha and encourage building on their expressed commitment to a ceasefire. The crisis has no military solution and returning to negotiations in good faith without delay is the right step towards a peace agreement.

Slovenia also strongly supports regional efforts through the African Union, EAC and SADC as well as other bilateral engagement to ensure swift de-escalation and to pave the way for durable peace.

We welcome the second joint communiqué of the EAC-SADC Summit and urge swift implementation of its conclusions. We take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to President Lourenco of Angola for his valuable contributions and stewardship.

I thank you.

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