New York, 20 April 2026 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo took part this Monday in the urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council on threats to international peace and security in Ukraine.
In the statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Jocelyne Kabengele Lukundula, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative, the DRC expressed its deep concern over the continuation of hostilities and the steadily worsening human and material consequences of the conflict, more than fifteen hundred days after the outbreak of the war.
Highlighting the transnational effects of this conflict, including on the African continent, the Congolese delegation noted the troubling erosion of prospects for de-escalation, marked in particular by the multiplication of strikes involving missiles and drones, as well as by the significant increase in the number of civilian casualties.
In view of this reality, the DRC recalled that the continuation of hostilities engages the responsibility of all parties and contributes, day after day, to further entrenching the conflict in a logic of destruction.
Reiterating its principled position, the DRC stated that there is no military solution to this crisis. It advocated for a political and diplomatic settlement based on dialogue, good faith, respect for international law, international humanitarian law, and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
The Congolese delegation also called for an effective ceasefire, for the strict observance of commitments made toward the cessation of hostilities, and for the restoration of trust between the parties.
The DRC further stressed the need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, particularly energy infrastructure, and to ensure rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all persons in need.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo urged all parties to exercise restraint and to give priority to diplomacy, which it considers the best path toward achieving a just and credible peace for the benefit of the affected populations.