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

Mr. President,

I thank Bintou Keita and and Mr. Huang Xia for briefing us. We want to welcome Foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We also want to welcome the representatives of the region in the chamber.

Given the rapidly evolving security situation and escalating humanitarian concerns –we believe this Council meeting is critically needed.

In eastern DRC the situation is swiftly and visibly deteriorating into mounting peril. Civilians are caught in the eye of a violent storm. In the words of the special envoy, there is a risk of regional conflagration. And the risk is real. Regional peace and security is in danger.

Following the seizure of Goma reports showcase a shocking death toll and thousands with life-altering injuries. The violence must stop immediately. There is no justification for the horrific horrific stories of summary executions, including children, for widespread conflict-related sexual violence, for widespread displacement, for child recruitment, for intimidation of civil society actors and civil society actors. We categorically condemn any targeting, threats, or attacks on humanitarian workers and denounce these actions in the strongest possible terms.

It remains imperative that those responsible are held accountable.

Mr. President,

The gravity of this crisis extends far beyond the immediate human tragedy. The rapid offensive by M23, supported by Rwandan defence forces, now marking its presence in South Kivu with the seizure of key locations such as Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu, poses a significant threat to the broader stability of the Great Lakes region.

We demand that M23 withdraw unconditionally from all territories they have occupied. Immediate and unrestricted reopening of the airport in Goma must be ensured, so that delivery of humanitarian assistance, the rotation and resupply for UN peacekeepers and other personnel can proceed safely. Unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured without delay, with secure humanitarian corridors to reach those in need. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.

We echo the African Union, SADC and the EAC in urgently calling for an immediate halt to all hostilities and a return to diplomatic dialogue. We continue to support strong African engagement and regional diplomatic processes, notably through the merged Luanda/Nairobi processes.

We continue to call on DRC and Rwanda to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate tensions, re-engage in dialogue, address the root causes and prioritize peace and stability for the region.

We condemn any violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unauthorized military presence in the DRC is a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. We call on Rwanda to fully withdraw its forces immediately and to end any support for M23. We call on DRC to stop cooperating with the FDLR and other armed groups.

Finally, we condemn in the strongest terms attacks, hostility, and threats against MONUSCO and its personnel. We further denounce the severe restrictions imposed by M23 on MONUSCO and their freedom of movement, which have not only impeded the implementation of their mandated tasks but have also contributed to compromised situation at their bases. This is unacceptable.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, I reiterate what we stated already during the first emergency meeting: this Council must not remain passive in the face of this crisis. We have clearly heard calls from the ground and received abundance of reports. Now we must step up.

Thank you.

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