Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (Pakistan):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the recent significant progress in the Doha talks facilitated by Qatar, following consultations in Doha to address the issue of the M23 [23 March Movement] and the signature of a Declaration of Principles in Doha on 19 July, as well as the signature of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington, D.C., on 27 June.

The members of the Security Council called on the signatories of the Declaration of Principles to uphold their commitment to a permanent ceasefire and to stay engaged and work in good faith towards the finalization, by the agreed timeline, of a comprehensive peace agreement leading to restoration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s State authority, respect for territorial integrity and lasting peace in line with resolution 2773 (2025).

The members of the Security Council expressed their determination to actively support efforts for the conclusion of a comprehensive peace agreement, as well as for ceasefire implementation, with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and regional mechanisms, where appropriate, for an agreed verification mechanism.

They further reiterated their demands that all actors cooperate fully with MONUSCO and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of MONUSCO peacekeepers, protect their freedom of movement and guarantee the unimpeded implementation of MONUSCO’s mandate.  They reiterated their condemnation of attacks against peacekeepers and paid tribute to all peacekeepers who risk their lives.

The members of the Security Council renewed their deep appreciation to Qatar for its mediation role, and to all other actors involved in facilitation efforts, including the African Union, subregional organizations and the United States.

They reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and called on all parties to honour, in good faith, their obligations and commitments for lasting peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region.