Speaking before the United Nations Security Council at its 10128th meeting, devoted to cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security, on Thursday, 2 April 2026, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed the fact that this meeting was fully in keeping with the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which recognizes the essential role of regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security. In a statement delivered by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of the DRC to the United Nations, the Congolese delegation underscored one central idea: strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is an indispensable lever for preventing conflicts, promoting de-escalation, and building lasting responses to contemporary crises. In this regard, the DRC notably called for renewed collective engagement in favor of dialogue, de-escalation, and strict respect for international law, while welcoming the growing role of the Gulf Cooperation Council in mediation efforts, conflict prevention, and humanitarian action.
Below is the full statement.
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Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes His Excellency Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, whose presence greatly honors us this morning. This gesture does not go unnoticed at this time of severe trial for your country and for all the civilian populations of the Gulf countries affected. We take this opportunity to reiterate our solidarity and compassion.
My delegation thanks you for organizing this high-level meeting and commends the leadership of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Security Council, as well as its constant efforts to strengthen dialogue, multilateralism, and partnerships with regional organizations, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council.
We thank Mr. Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as Mr. Jassim Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, whose interventions have usefully enriched our collective reflection.
Mr. President,
A troubling intensification of tensions in the Gulf region, marked by a military escalation with potentially serious consequences, continues to expose civilian populations to violence, the outcome of which remains uncertain. Behind the geopolitical dynamics at work, human lives are being endangered every day, essential infrastructure is being affected, and regional balances are being weakened.
In this particularly volatile context, the Democratic Republic of the Congo calls for renewed collective engagement in favor of de-escalation, dialogue, and strict respect for international law.
This meeting, devoted to cooperation between the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council, is therefore fully in line with the spirit of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which recognizes the essential role of regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its unwavering attachment to the fundamental principles of international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights, as well as to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. It remains committed to a consistent approach that prioritizes respect for State sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the non-use of force, in a spirit of responsibility and balance.
In this regard, my delegation notes with appreciation the commitment of the Gulf Cooperation Council to efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security. As highlighted in the concept note, the GCC is playing an increasingly important role in conflict prevention, mediation, and humanitarian efforts, complementing the actions of the United Nations.
With regard to resolution 2817 (2026), the Democratic Republic of the Congo supported its adoption, guided by its constant attachment to the principles of the Charter, State sovereignty, and the preservation of international stability. In light of its history, it remains particularly attentive to any action that may constitute an infringement upon these principles, while calling for a measured approach grounded in dialogue and law.
In this context, my delegation also underscores the importance of respecting customary international law and the law of the sea, as enshrined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It recalls that freedom of navigation, the security of maritime routes, and respect for applicable international legal frameworks are essential elements for regional and international stability, particularly in strategic maritime areas.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches particular importance to the cross-cutting dimensions of peace, notably the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, as well as the involvement of young people in conflict prevention and resolution processes. It reiterates its call for their greater inclusion in decision-making processes, as well as for strengthened protection in crisis contexts.
In the face of persistent tensions in the Middle East region, my delegation calls for the continuation and strengthening of diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peaceful, lasting, and inclusive solutions. It encourages any initiative intended to promote de-escalation, foster trust, and create the conditions for constructive dialogue among the parties.
In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the mediation and facilitation efforts undertaken by several States in the region, notably the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their respective contributions to de-escalation, dialogue, and stabilization efforts.
My delegation further recognizes the commitment of Arab States within multilateral mechanisms working for peace, including their contribution to the Board of Peace, which reflects their determination to promote a collective and coordinated approach to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains convinced that strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, such as the GCC, constitutes an essential lever for addressing contemporary challenges to international peace and security. Such cooperation, based on complementarity, coordination, and respect for respective mandates, is indispensable to ensuring more effective, inclusive, and lasting responses.
I thank you.