New York, 9 April 2026 – The Democratic Republic of the Congo took part, on thursday, 9 April 2026, in the first Security Council briefing of 2026 on the situation in Kosovo. In the statement delivered by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay, the DRC reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.
The Congolese delegation commended the continued efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which it considers an important actor in facilitating dialogue, building confidence between the parties and helping to consolidate a more stable environment. It recalled that, in the context of Kosovo, resolution 1244 remains the legal framework of reference for the Security Council’s consideration of this issue, as well as the foundation of the United Nations’ engagement towards a lasting settlement based on dialogue and respect for international law.
The DRC noted that, while the security situation remains generally calm, it nevertheless continues to be fragile due to persistent political uncertainties and localized tensions. It considered that this reality calls for a measured approach, grounded in a rigorous assessment of conditions on the ground, and ruling out any premature conclusion regarding the definitive consolidation of stability. In this regard, the Congolese delegation considered that UNMIK remains fully relevant, both in its role of facilitation and mediation and in the protection of the rights of communities.
The statement also warned against any artificial reduction or withdrawal of peacekeeping operations as long as the root causes of instability have not been fully eradicated. According to the DRC, any hasty or insufficiently prepared reconfiguration could introduce new vulnerabilities into an environment that remains sensitive.
With regard to the political process, the DRC supported efforts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo and welcomed the progress achieved through the dialogue facilitated by the European Union. It nevertheless stressed that these gains must be consolidated in order to ensure lasting de-escalation, restore confidence and accelerate the normalization of relations between the parties.
The Permanent Mission of the DRC further recalled that peace cannot be regarded as sustainably achieved so long as it is not fully and equitably experienced by all segments of the population. In this respect, it emphasized the need to keep the protection of communities at the heart of any sustainable stabilization approach and to address with prudence, inclusiveness and responsibility any measures affecting populations on the ground, particularly in sensitive areas.
In conclusion, the DRC reaffirmed the need to favour an approach based on respect for established frameworks, on an objective assessment of realities on the ground, and on the pursuit of sincere dialogue between the parties. It stressed that only under these conditions can the elements of lasting stability be brought together, for the benefit of all communities concerned, especially the Serbian communities in Kosovo.