At the 10150th meeting of the Security Council, devoted to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The DRC recalled that the Dayton Agreement remains the foundation of peace and institutional stability in the country, while calling on the parties to prioritize dialogue, restraint, peaceful coexistence and peaceful means for the settlement of disputes.
The full statement of the DRC is available below and was delivered by Mr. Serge Banza Ngoy, Minister-Counsellor and Political Coordinator for Security Council-related matters at the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations.
Mr. President,
Before addressing the item on the agenda, we wish to congratulate the People’s Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May, and to wish it a fruitful mandate. We reaffirm our full commitment to working, alongside all members of the Council, for the promotion of international peace and security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
We thank Mr. Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his briefing.
Mr. President,
My delegation thanks you for convening this meeting devoted to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and expresses its gratitude to the other briefers for their presentations on developments in the country.
The continuation of semi-annual debates within this Council reminds us that the maintenance of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in any region of the world, remains a collective responsibility. My country takes note of the report presented, as well as the recent communications addressed to the Council on the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as the Dayton Agreement.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is following with concern the signs of fragility observed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly persistent political tensions, divisive rhetoric, allegations of discrimination, as well as any action likely to undermine the established constitutional order.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has duly taken note of the concerns expressed in the letters dated 11 February and 8 May 2026, regarding secessionist tendencies attributed to certain leaders of Republika Srpska, as well as the risks that such dynamics would pose to the constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In this regard, my delegation recalls that the Dayton Agreement remains the foundation of peace, institutional stability and peaceful coexistence among the constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thirty years after its conclusion, this agreement remains an essential framework that must be preserved and implemented in good faith.
Indeed, for my delegation, any attempt to redraw borders, weaken constitutional institutions or promote unilateral solutions constitutes a risk factor for peace and stability. The Security Council must therefore remain vigilant and fully engaged in a preventive approach.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo calls on all political leaders, at all levels, to demonstrate restraint and responsibility, to refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, unilateral initiative or act that could weaken national cohesion and regional stability.
My country encourages all parties to prioritize inclusive dialogue, the search for consensus and peaceful means, in accordance with the Dayton Agreement, the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the decisions of the competent institutions and international law.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo considers that lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be limited to the absence of armed conflict. It requires respect for the rule of law, the regular functioning of institutions, the equal protection of all citizens, reconciliation and trust among communities.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo underscores the importance of peaceful coexistence among the different communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country’s ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity must remain a wealth protected by institutions, and not a factor of division.
It also recalls that the duty of remembrance, justice and reconciliation are indispensable to the consolidation of peace. Denialist rhetoric, the glorification of serious crimes established by competent courts, and the instrumentalization of identities can only revive tensions and delay the construction of a common future.
From this perspective, public institutions, education systems, the media and political leaders must contribute to bringing communities closer together, promoting tolerance and consolidating social cohesion.
My country takes note of the role played by EUFOR Althea, authorized by the Security Council, in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It encourages the continuation of efforts aimed at preserving the stability of the country and of the Western Balkans region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo also encourages regional cooperation, good-neighbourly relations and constructive dialogue, with respect for the sovereignty and political independence of each State.
Mr. President,
The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its constant attachment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes. It is in this spirit that it reiterates its support for the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within its internationally recognized borders. It also calls on all parties to choose responsibility, dialogue, restraint and peaceful coexistence.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms that prevention remains one of the essential roles of the Security Council. In this regard, my country will continue to support any balanced initiative aimed at preserving the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, constitutional order, institutional stability, reconciliation and lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thank you.