A3 JOINT-STATEMENT AT THE UNSC MEETING ON THE SITUATION IN LEBANON

  Delivered by

H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Rabi Yusuf, Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the United Nations

11th March 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and my own country, Somalia.

2. We thank USG DiCarlo, USG Lacroix, and USG Fletcher for their comprehensive briefings. We also thank Ms. Lynn Harfouch for her contribution. We welcome the participation of the representative of Lebanon in today’s meeting.

3. The A3 views the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon since the beginning of March with the utmost gravity and concern.

4. We are deeply alarmed by the mounting toll on human life and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including densely populated residential areas.

5. Furthermore, as reported by UNICEF, nearly 700,000 people, including 200,000 children, have been forced from their homes, adding to the tens of thousands already uprooted from previous attacks.

6. In that regard, we call for the protection of civilians and full adherence to International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.

7. The A3 is also gravely concerned about the March 6 incident against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which resulted in injuries to three Ghanaian peacekeepers at their position in Al Qawzah. This is a stark reminder of the perils faced by peacekeepers in Lebanon.

8. The safety and security of United Nations personnel and property are not negotiable; they must be respected at all times and without exception. We wish a swift and complete recovery to all the injured peacekeepers.

Mr. President,

9. The A3 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence. Lebanon must not become a theater for proxy confrontations or unilateral territorial expansion.

10. Respect for the Blue Line and the cessation of hostilities by all actors are essential for stability and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

11. We acknowledge the critical role UNIFIL continues to play in maintaining stability along the Blue Line. Its presence remains a critical element of the collective efforts to achieve peace in Lebanon and contribute to de-escalation. At the same time, the A3 underscores the importance of enhancing the capacity of the Lebanese Armed Forces to assume full responsibility for the defense of Lebanese territory. We urge the international community to intensify its support, including equipment, materials, and financial assistance, to ensure their effective and sustainable deployment south of the Litani River.

Mr. President, to conclude,

12. The A3 calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an urgent return to the parameters of the 2024 ceasefire agreement. We emphasize that a renewed commitment to Resolution 1701 remains the primary framework for long-term stability. It is imperative that all parties prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over kinetic action to prevent a full-scale regional conflagration. Achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East is only viable through genuine commitment to diplomacy in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

13. We stand in solidarity with the people of Lebanon, and we urge this Council to act with unity and resolve to restore peace and uphold international law.

I thank you.