A3+ JOINT STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION CONCERNING THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

  Delivered by

H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of

Guyana to the United Nations

30th September 2025

Mr. President,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ members namely Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my own country Guyana. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on major developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

2. We commend the Special Representative, Ms. Bintou Keita, and the men and women of MONUSCO for their continued service under difficult circumstances. We thank SRSG Keita for her comprehensive briefing.

3. The A3+ welcomes the recent positive political developments, including the government reshuffle by President Félix Tshisekedi, which broadened political inclusivity by incorporating opposition and civil society members into strategic positions. We also take positive note of the roadmap for an inclusive national dialogue with the involvement of religious denominations. These initiatives, if fully implemented, will help strengthen governance, trust, and national ownership of peace processes.

4. We further welcome the signing of the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, and the Doha Declaration between the DRC government and the AFC/M23. These peace agreements present important frameworks for de-escalating hostilities, advancing disarmament, and promoting regional integration. The A3+ underscores the importance of sustained political will by all parties, coupled with harmonization of African Union, EAC, and SADC peace efforts. We also call on other international initiatives to align with and reinforce this African-led process, so as to ensure coherence, strengthen coordination, and maximize collective support to peace and security.

Mr. President,

5. We remain deeply concerned by the alarming increase in violence against civilians, with a 122% rise in fatalities attributed mainly to M23, ADF, and other armed groups. MONUSCO’s efforts to expand patrols, strengthen early warning systems, and shelter displaced civilians are commendable, but restrictions on its freedom of movement undermine its ability to protect communities. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all

parties, particularly armed groups, to cease attacks on civilians and lift restrictions on MONUSCO’s operations.

6. The A3+ is equally troubled by the human rights situation. MONUSCO’s documentation of over 1,100 violations including summary executions, abductions, and sexual violence is deeply alarming. We stress the importance of accountability for all perpetrators, strengthening judicial institutions, and ensuring the protection of journalists, women, and children.

Mr. President,

7. The humanitarian situation remains dire. With 5.3 million people displaced, 27.7 million facing food insecurity, and outbreaks of cholera and Ebola, the crisis demands urgent and sustained attention. Yet humanitarian funding remains woefully inadequate, with less than 15% of the required resources secured. The A3+ calls for increased international solidarity and contributions to bridge this gap. We also reiterate the urgent need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities.

8. On stabilization and reforms, we commend MONUSCO’s support for disarmament, reintegration, and vocational training of excombatants, as well as the government’s progress on security sector reform, notably the $2.55 billion Police Programming Law. These are important steps towards building durable institutions that can deliver peace dividends to the Congolese people.

9. We stress the urgent reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports to enable safe and unhindered humanitarian access. The closure of these facilities has severely disrupted aid delivery at a time when millions face displacement, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks. Ensuring rapid and secure humanitarian corridors is vital to reaching affected populations with life-saving assistance.

10. The A3+ recognizes MONUSCO’s achievements and efforts despite severe operational challenges, budgetary cuts, restricted movement, and the closure of Goma airport. The

Mission continues to play a critical role in protecting civilians, supporting political processes, and enabling stabilization. The A3+ stresses that any drawdown or reconfiguration must be conditions-based, responsible, and aligned with progress on the ground to avoid creating a security vacuum. In this regard, we welcome the meetings that USG Lacroix had with President Tshisekedi, other senior government officials and representatives of opposition political parties in Kinshasa between the 3-7 September 2025.

11. We are gravely concerned about the severe financial constraints facing MONUSCO, which risk undermining its capacity to deliver on its core mandate of civilian protection,

support to political processes, and stabilization. We therefore urge all Member States to meet their financial obligations in full and on time to ensure the Mission has the resources required to continue its critical work.

12. We also welcome the emphasis on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, particularly the advocacy for the inclusion of women in peace processes. Their full participation is essential to achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation.

Mr. President,

In light of the Secretary-General’s recommendations, the A3+ wishes to highlight the following points:

13. First, parties must fully implement the Washington and Doha agreements, and the Council should lend its full support to AU, EAC, and SADC efforts at harmonization of all peace initiatives.

14. Second, MONUSCO must be granted unrestricted freedom of movement, and its protection of civilians mandate must be adequately resourced.

15. Third, the international community must urgently close the humanitarian funding gap and scale up support for displaced populations, particularly women and children.

16. Fourth, accountability for human rights violations must be pursued without exception, with strengthened support for national institutions of justice and rule of law.

17. Fifth and final, illegal mineral exploitation and other root causes of the conflict must be addressed through effective governance, responsible resource management, and

strengthened regional cooperation.

Mr. President,

18. The A3+ reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people and government of the DRC and calls for respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The A3+ will continue to support all efforts to end violence, uphold human rights, and ensure that peace agreements translate into meaningful progress on the ground. The Security Council must

remain seized of the matter, committed to reinforcing Africanled solutions and accompanying the Congolese people on their path to lasting peace, stability, and development.

I thank you.