Read the full statement delivered by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay on behalf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Security Council on Thursday, 9 April 2026, on the situation in Kosovo, marked by a clear call for lasting stability based on respect for established frameworks, objectivity and sincere dialogue between the parties.
Madam President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomes the holding of this meeting devoted to the situation in Kosovo. We welcome among us the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, His Excellency Mr. Marko Duric, and thank Mr. Peter DUE, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, for his briefing. We also welcome the presence of the representative of the European Union.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes to commend the continued efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, whose action remains an important factor in facilitating dialogue, strengthening confidence between the parties and contributing to a more stable environment.
My delegation reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, which constitute the foundation of the international order, as enshrined and framed, in the context of Kosovo, by resolution 1244, which remains the legal framework of reference for the Security Council’s consideration of this issue and the basis for the United Nations engagement towards a lasting settlement founded on dialogue and respect for international law.
Mr. President,
The recent developments described in the Secretary-General’s report reflect a mixed reality: while the security situation remains generally calm, it nevertheless remains fragile, in a context marked by persistent political uncertainties and localized tensions.
This situation highlights the need to strengthen the predictability and stability of the political framework, the consolidation of which constitutes an essential prerequisite for any lasting progress. It therefore calls for a measured approach, based on a rigorous assessment of conditions on the ground, and rules out any premature conclusion regarding the durable consolidation of stability.
It is for this reason that the Democratic Republic of the Congo considers that UNMIK remains fully relevant, particularly in the exercise of its role of facilitation and mediation, but also in the protection of the rights of communities in view of the fragility of the security and social fabric.
However, peacekeeping operations cannot be artificially reduced or withdrawn as long as the root causes of instability have not been completely eradicated. Indeed, any hasty or insufficiently prepared reconfiguration would risk introducing new vulnerabilities into an environment that remains sensitive.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo supports efforts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. In this regard, my country welcomes the progress achieved in the framework of the dialogue facilitated by the European Union between the two capitals.
Although progress has been made, these gains still need to be consolidated in order to ensure lasting de-escalation, restore confidence and accelerate the normalization of relations between the parties.
Mr. President,
Peace cannot be regarded as durably secured as long as it is not fully and equitably felt by all components of the population. The protection of communities must remain at the heart of any sustainable stabilization approach.
Indeed, the Democratic Republic of the Congo considers that any measure affecting communities on the ground, particularly in majority-populated areas, should be carried out with caution, in a spirit of inclusion, consultation and preservation of essential services. It is important that the legitimate concerns of the populations concerned be heard and addressed in a responsible manner.
In this regard, the progress achieved in addressing humanitarian issues, particularly those related to missing persons, should be encouraged, insofar as it helps restore confidence and support reconciliation efforts.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms the need to favour an approach based on respect for established frameworks, an objective assessment of realities on the ground, and the pursuit of sincere dialogue between the parties.
Only under these conditions can the elements of lasting stability be brought together, for the benefit of all communities concerned, in particular the Serbian communities in Kosovo.
I thank you.