Speaking at the United Nations Security Council during its 10124th meeting, devoted to the situation in Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expressed its deep concern over the continuation of hostilities and their dramatic consequences for civilian populations. In a statement delivered by Ambassador Jocelyne Kabengele Lukundula, Deputy Permanent Representative of the DRC to the United Nations, the Congolese delegation underscored that the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation is a reminder that, behind the dynamics of the conflict, there are above all human lives, families and entire communities plunged into suffering. It stressed the imperative of putting an end to hostilities and ensuring the strict observance of any commitment in favor of a ceasefire, considering that an effective cessation of fighting remains the only way to durably reduce the suffering of civilians and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis.
Below is the full statement by the DRC.
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Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the convening of this meeting, which enables us to continue our discussions on the situation in Ukraine in light of recent developments.
My country wishes to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Mr. Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings.
My delegation also welcomes the presence of Mr. Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains deeply concerned by the continuation of hostilities and their dramatic consequences for civilian populations.
As we emphasized in our previous statement, the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation reminds us that behind the dynamics of the conflict there are, above all, human lives, families, and entire communities plunged into suffering.
It is imperative to put an end to hostilities and to ensure the strict observance of any commitment in favor of a ceasefire. Indeed, only an effective cessation of fighting will make it possible to durably reduce the suffering of civilian populations and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian situation.
In this regard, although there have been no concrete improvements on the ground, the Democratic Republic of the Congo nevertheless notes with interest the encouraging signals observed in mid-February in favor of a resumption of diplomatic efforts.
We therefore urge all parties to resolutely choose the path of dialogue and to redouble their efforts to consolidate an effective, lasting and credible ceasefire.
Mr. President,
Respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians must remain constant priorities in times of conflict.
In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recalls the need to guarantee safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to all persons in need. Humanitarian actors must be able to operate under adequate security conditions in order to respond effectively to the urgent needs of affected populations.
We also reiterate our grave concern over attacks against civilian infrastructure, in particular energy facilities, the degradation of which directly affects the living conditions of the population and compromises their access to essential services.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo recalls that this conflict also continues to have repercussions far beyond its immediate theater.
Indeed, the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine is exacerbating existing economic and food vulnerabilities and weighs heavily on the most fragile populations.
This situation is notably contributing to disruptions in supply chains for cereals and basic goods, disproportionately affecting African countries that are heavily dependent on imports.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains committed to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
We remain convinced that a truly just and lasting peace can only be achieved through the exploration of diplomatic avenues that fully take into account the root causes of the crisis.
I thank you.