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Statement on the situation in the Great Lakes Region

Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the Briefing on the situation in the Great Lakes Region

Thank you, Madam President.

I extend my gratitude to Special Envoy Mr. Xia and Ms Ntambwe for their briefings. I also welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC Ms Wagner  and the representatives from Angola and Rwanda to the meeting.

The Great Lakes region continues to face complex security, humanitarian, human rights and governance challenges. The escalating violence in the eastern DRC, deadly actions by armed groups, cross-border tensions and the impact of the ongoing crisis in Sudan remain a concern. Strong regional cooperation remains essential to lasting peace and stability.

Allow me to underscore three key points:

Firstly, we reiterate our support for the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region and welcome the progress made towards its revitalization. Its effective implementation will remain crucial for ensuring stability, sustainable development, and peace across the region.

The Nairobi and Luanda processes, alongside other regional diplomatic efforts, are central to conflict resolution, and thus stability. The ceasefire agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, facilitated under Angola’s leadership, is a significant step forward. We urge Rwanda and the DRC to fully implement their commitments, including the disengagement of forces and plan for neutralization of the FDLR.

We commend the ongoing engagement of the African Union, other regional and sub-regional organizations, and the United Nations, while emphasizing the importance of inclusive peacebuilding.

Progress must not be undermined by divisive rhetoric or actions that escalate tensions and hinder efforts already made. We urge all states in the region to continue engaging in confidence- and trust-building measures and to work tirelessly to defuse tensions. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and all other States in the region must be respected. Any support to armed groups must cease.

Secondly, it is imperative to continue to address the root causes of instability, particularly competition over natural resources and historical grievances.

Armed groups significantly benefit from the illegal exploitation and trade of some of the world’s most valuable resources. Natural resources should drive sustainable development, yet too often continue to fuel conflict and instability. It is important to ensure transparency in the mining sector, including through the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Regional Certification Mechanism.

Madam President,

Addressing instability must involve fostering inclusive governance, upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and promoting equitable socio-economic development, including responsible resource management. Addressing ethnic tensions, strengthening local institutions, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all communities are likewise essential foundation for sustainable peace.

Thirdly, the Great Lakes region is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement, deteriorating security, and severe food and health challenges, including recent outbreak of mpox.

Conflict in eastern DRC has displaced millions, while the crisis in Sudan has further contributed to regional displacement. The impact of climate change has exacerbated these vulnerabilities, leaving tens of millions of million people facing acute or worse levels of food insecurity.

The mass displacements, sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and exploitation of children, especially in displacement camps remain deeply troubling. It is extremely disturbing that the conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC has more than doubled compared to the same period last year. We condemn these violations and call for thorough investigations to ensure accountability for perpetrators.

Madam President,

Amid these challenges, regional cooperation for peace and stability is more crucial than ever. We commend the efforts of the humanitarian community and call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law. The safety of humanitarian and medical personnel and unimpeded and sustained access to affected populations must be ensured.

We commend the efforts of Special Envoy Xia and encourage him to continue facilitating dialogue and cooperation among the countries in the region. The Great Lakes region has experienced decades of insecurity, but we remain convinced that a better and peaceful future is possible.

Thank you.

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