Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations Saša Jurečko at UNSC meeting on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Thank you Madam President.

I express my sincere appreciation to SRSG Keita for her comprehensive briefing and the clarity of her message to this Council. I also thank the 1533 Chair and we also welcome the participation of the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to this meeting.

We are deeply concerned by the ongoing conditions under which MONUSCO is operating in M23 occupied areas, as highlighted in the latest report by the Secretary-General. The advance notification requirements, the imposition of restrictions and fees on the delivery of vital goods, especially fuel, constrains on the movement of supplies, and the impediments placed on uniformed personnel – all this is unacceptable.

This Council has made it clear in resolution 2773 (2025) that any attempts to undermine MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate will not be tolerated.

M23 must lift, without delay, all impediments to MONUSCO’s operations. While we acknowledge recent reported indications of willingness to ease certain measures, these steps fall short of what is required. Additional strain posed by delays in the rotation of contingents further complicates the Mission’s ability to effectively implement its mandate.

In this regard, we note MONUSCO’s engagement with AFC/M23, including SRSG Keita’s recent visit to Goma, as part of ongoing efforts to address challenges and help facilitate the reopening of Goma airport. We commend the mission’s efforts to reinforce security around its bases, safeguard its personnel, and protect unarmed civilians sheltering on its premises.

Madam President,

We are encouraged by the increased momentum in mediation processes and initiatives, led by the region, the US, Qatar, the AU appointed mediator and other partners towards durable peace in eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

We commend the DRC and Rwanda for their engagement towards peace, resulting in today’s signing of the peace agreement under the US-led mediation, which we welcome.

We commend both countries for these steps. Moving forward, it will remain important to build on them. Sustained political and diplomatic engagement to address the root causes and the presence of armed groups will lay the foundation for long-term stability and security, while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, including the DRC.

We emphasize the need and recognize efforts to align and coordinate mediation initiatives to complement peace-building, and to provide unified support for the effective implementation of agreements reached.

Madam President,

While much of the attention is focused on the situation in and around Goma, we remain concerned that M23, with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces, continues to expand its territorial presence in South Kivu and deepen its administrative control over occupied areas.

We also remain alarmed by persistent reports of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated not only by M23 but by other armed groups in eastern DRC, particularly the ADF, CODECO, Zaïre, and the FDLR, and we note with grave concern the emergence of new armed groups. We remain concerned also by the conflict’s toll on civilians, especially women and children, and the rising threat of conflict-related sexual violence. We condemn all such violence.

As noted also in the latest report, the humanitarian crisis in the DRC remains among the world’s most acute. Conflict has been the main driver of food insecurity in the DRC. It is essential that relief operations receive full support and are able to deliver aid safely and without obstruction. We reiterate once again – humanitarian personnel and facilities must never be targeted and we remind all parties of their binding obligations under international humanitarian law.

I thank you.

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