13.10.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on the Great Lakes

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Thank you, President.

I thank Special Envoy Xia for his briefing.

Your briefing has clearly demonstrated that the situation in the Eastern DRC and across the Great Lakes Region continues to warrant our close attention.

Mr, President,

Denmark supports the collective efforts to bring peace to the region.

We commend the leadership of the United States and Qatar, and of President of Togo as the African Union-designated mediator, as well as the EAC-SADC Panel of Facilitators.

Both the Washington agreement and the Doha Declaration of Principles provide important momentum.

However, fighting on the ground continues, and civilians on the ground need relief. Urgently.

The most immediate objective therefore remains an unconditional cessation of hostilities in Eastern DRC, and the full implementation of Resolution 2773.

We further recall the commitments made by Rwanda and the DRC to cease support to armed groups, respectively the M23 and the FDLR and associated militias, and to implement the related Concept of Operations within the agreed timeframe. 

In line with Resolution 2773, we once again call on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the DRC.

Second, Mr. President,

We are deeply concerned by the reported severe violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, by all parties to the conflict in the Eastern DRC.

We are especially appalled by the levels of sexual and gender-based violence, taking place in a time of rapidly declining funding to organisations working to provide services to survivors.

We also express our concern over reports of international human rights law violations and abuses in other countries in the Great Lakes Region.

These reports include arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, unlawful killings and restrictions on freedom of expression.

We underline that accountability for violations of international law is central to the stability of the region and should be incorporated into all peace efforts – regardless of the affiliation of the alleged perpetrators.

My final point, Mr. President, on the broader peace, security and cooperation framework.

We commend the recent adoption by the Regional Oversight Mechanism of an Action Plan to revitalise the PSC Framework.

At this time of renewed momentum, it is imperative that all regional countries actively uphold their commitments under the Framework and contribute constructively to rebuilding trust.

Their support to conflict resolution in the Eastern DRC is critical to the success of ongoing peace efforts, including the PSC Framework.

We further highlight the prospect of peace through economic collaboration throughout the Great Lakes Region, including with reference to the Regional Economic Integration Framework.

Mr. President, in closing,

We call on all stakeholders to act with urgency, to uphold their commitments    – and to ensure that all peace efforts are inclusive, gender-responsive, and locally-owned.

Lasting stability in the region depends on sustained political will, regional cooperation, and a united commitment to peace, security, and development.

Denmark fully supports the Office of the office of the Special Envoy to these ends.

I thank you.

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