Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thank you very much Madam President,

I thank SRSG Keita for her comprehensive briefing and I renew our full support for MONUSCO’s critical role in protecting civilians. I also wish to thank Ms. Passy Mubalama for her passionate testimony and for her recommendations.

I welcome to today’s meeting Her Excellency Minister Ms. Therèse Kayikwamba Wagner as well as the Permanent Representatives of Rwanda and Angola.

While encouraged by positive steps to achieve sustainable peace, we remain concerned about the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Deadly attacks by armed groups, particularly M23, ADF and CODECO, continue to inflict relentless suffering on civilians.

The territorial expansion of M23 and its administrative control over occupied areas, including the appointment of local administrators, is deeply alarming. Slovenia strongly condemns these actions and calls on all armed groups to disarm and withdraw.

The violence has exacerbated one of the world’s largest displacement crisis, it has worsened food insecurity and fueled an alarming rise in sexual and gender-based violence as we just heard this morning. Perpetrators must be held accountable.

We call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Slovenia strongly condemns any violence, threats, or intimidation against humanitarian workers and emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard their operations to provide life-saving aid.

Slovenia also reiterates its call for all states to cease supporting armed groups, including M23 and FDLR. We are particularly concerned about the unauthorized military presence in the DRC and we urge Rwanda to fully withdraw its forces. We call for full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of DRC.

Madam President,

We commend regional diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable political resolution, particularly through the Luanda Process. Slovenia extends gratitude to President Lourenço of Angola for his leadership, dedication, and continued commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region. We reaffirm our support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes, emphasizing the full and meaningful participation of women and the active engagement of youth in these efforts.

We call on DRC and Rwanda to adhere fully to the ceasefire agreement. Reports of ceasefire violations are concerning. The operationalization of the Reinforced Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism is a key milestone so it is the agreement on the concept of operations including neutralizing the FDLR and ensure the disengagement of forces.

We commend both countries, DRC and Rwanda, for these important steps. It is important to build on these achievements. The announced (15 December) presidential summit is an important unique opportunity to advance these efforts. Sustained political and diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of conflict is essential. It is a precondition for long-term stability and security.

Madam President,

The role of MONUSCO remains indispensable. Its efforts to protect civilians, support for regional mechanisms, and uphold peace and security are crucial. Slovenia commends the leadership of SRSG Keita and the work of MONUSCO personnel, who continue to operate under challenging conditions.

However reports of restrictions on MONUSCO’s freedom of movement, as well as incidents of GPS jamming, jeopardize both the mission’s effectiveness and the safety of its personnel. Slovenia calls on all parties to ensure full respect for MONUSCO’s mandate and to create an environment conducive to its operations.

MONUSCO’s support for SAMIDRC is an important component in supporting regional efforts to foster stability and protect civilians. We underscore the importance of effective coordination between MONUSCO and SAMIDRC as well as compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence policy.

In conclusion, Madam President, we urge both the DRC and Rwanda to remain steadfast in pursuit of peace and to capitalize on the opportunities provided by regional dialogue and international support.

Thank you.

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