New York, May 19, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo took part in the Security Council’s open briefing on Tuesday, which focused on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine.
The meeting featured presentations by Ms. Kayoko Gotoh, Director and Officer-in-Charge for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas in the United Nations Department of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, and Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director of the Operations Division at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In its statement, the Democratic Republic of the Congo expressed deep concern over the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Ukraine. It noted that this war is becoming more sophisticated, more widespread, and more brutal every day, exposing millions of civilians to unspeakable suffering.
The DRC reiterated that the protection of civilians cannot remain merely a principle or slogan mentioned in Council debates. On the contrary, it must constitute a concrete, immediate, and non-negotiable obligation. In this regard, the Congolese delegation emphasized that civilian populations must never be targeted, nor should civilian infrastructure, particularly energy networks, health facilities, schools, homes, and facilities necessary for the provision of essential services.
Reaffirming its commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as to respect for international law and international humanitarian law, the DRC emphasized the need to ensure rapid, safe, sustainable, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need. It also called for the protection of humanitarian personnel, medical workers, and relief infrastructure.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo further expressed concern over the alarming evolution of the conflict, whose consequences extend beyond the immediate operational scope and have transnational effects, particularly through the recruitment of foreign nationals, including those from the African continent.
For the DRC, there can be no military solution to this conflict. The Congolese delegation urged the parties to break with the logic of confrontation and give peace a real chance, by resolutely prioritizing the path of diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation.
Finally, the DRC encouraged all diplomatic efforts likely to bring positions closer together, restore trust between the parties, and preserve the channels of dialogue that remain open, as illustrated by the recent prisoner-of-war exchanges.