In the conclusion of its statement during the open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirmed the importance of a balanced, impartial multilateral approach grounded in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It called on the international community to intensify its efforts to prevent a worsening of the regional conflict and to support ongoing peace initiatives.
This statement was delivered by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations, at the 10146th meeting of the Security Council, held on 28 April 2026. The full statement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is published below.
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Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo respectfully reiterates its greetings to His Excellency Mr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al Zayani, and thanks his country, the Kingdom of Bahrain, for organizing this high-level open debate dedicated to the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
In the same spirit, we wish once again to acknowledge the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at this meeting. We also thank Their Excellencies Mr. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway and Representative of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee; Mr. Tony Blair, member of the Executive Committee of the Peace Council; and Mr. Khaled Khiari, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, for their comprehensive briefings.
My delegation commends the continued commitment of the United Nations and international partners to the promotion of international peace and security in a region marked by persistent tensions, as evidenced by the particularly worrying recent developments.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo expresses its deep concern over the escalation of violence in the region, particularly the recent confrontations involving several State actors. These hostilities, now multidimensional in nature — encompassing security, humanitarian and economic dynamics — have caused civilian casualties, damaged essential infrastructure and affected strategic navigation routes, with direct repercussions for regional and international stability.
This gradual expansion of tensions, including in the maritime domain, illustrates the risks of a broader conflagration and underscores, if further proof were needed, that any exclusively military approach cannot provide a lasting solution, but would instead expose the region to an escalation with consequences that would be difficult to control.
While recalling Security Council resolution 2817, we reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation, restraint by all parties and strict respect for international law, particularly international humanitarian law, in full respect of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, while welcoming the appointment of the High Representative of the Peace Council as well as the designation of the Commander of the International Stabilization Force — not to mention the efforts undertaken to structure a coordinated international response — the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains concerned by the fragility of the ceasefire established there under Security Council resolution 2803 and by the continued violence.
Restrictions on humanitarian access, marked in particular by the intermittent closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, as well as sporadic violence, undermine prospects for stabilization and weigh on the implementation of the expected phases of the ongoing process. The Democratic Republic of the Congo therefore calls on all parties to fully honor their commitments, respect their international obligations and align in good faith with ongoing diplomatic initiatives.
Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recalls that, in an increasingly interconnected regional environment, no tangible progress can be envisaged unless a controlled security framework is established, including the limitation of non-State armed actors likely to fuel tensions and undermine ongoing stabilization efforts.
Mr. President,
We cannot fully assess the Palestinian question without addressing the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The expansion of settlements, violence and forced displacement of populations in these territories must receive the full attention of this Council. It should also be recalled that these actions undermine the prospects for lasting peace and must not be allowed to continue.
These facts, particularly as documented by reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, are likely to durably alter the parameters of a negotiated and pragmatic political solution, in accordance with the relevant agreements and provisions of international law in force. My delegation recalls that any unilateral measure aimed at modifying the status of the territories concerned constitutes a violation of international law and of the relevant provisions of the resolutions of this Security Council, in particular resolution 2334.
The West Bank is also facing an alarming humanitarian situation. In this regard, the Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes once again to underscore the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, UNRWA, which remains a central pillar of the humanitarian response. Its work is essential to providing vital assistance, particularly in the areas of health, education and emergency aid. We call for strengthened and sustained support for UNRWA so that it can continue to fully carry out its mandate.
Mr. President,
Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the sovereign equality of States, respect for territorial integrity and respect for human dignity, my country recalls that these principles cannot be applied in isolation. They must, at all times, guide our collective action in a coherent and universal manner and constitute, in themselves, the hope for a return to calm wherever the spectre of conflicts and tensions looms large.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the importance of a balanced and impartial multilateral approach and calls on the international community to intensify its efforts to prevent a worsening of the regional conflict and to support peace initiatives.
Thank you.