26.03.2026 Statement for briefing on DRC (MONUSCO)

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President, and let me also thank you Dr. Boulos for presiding the meeting here today and for your personal efforts and leadership in bringing peace to the Eastern DRC.

 

I also thank Deputy SRSG van de Perre for her sobering update. And through her the immense efforts of the men and women of MONUSCO under extremely difficult circumstances.

 

Mr. President,

 

It has long been clear that the path to sustainable peace in the DRC cannot be forged through force, but requires sustained mediation, dialogue and compromise.

 

Denmark therefore welcomes the various mediation efforts of the US, Qatar, Togo, and the African Union.

 

We are also encouraged by the prospects of an inclusive national dialogue, with Angolan support.

 

Whatever the format or process, we call for the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. Minorities and other relevant groups must also be included to ensure a sustainable peace.

 

However, without tangible progress and improvements in the lives of civilians on the ground, agreements and processes risk simply remaining words on the page. 

 

We are deeply concerned by the continued fighting and condemn the attack in Goma on March 11, which resulted in the death of civilians, including a UNICEF humanitarian worker.

 

We remind the parties that humanitarian personnel must be protected, and that directing attacks against humanitarian personnel is prohibited and may constitute a war crime.

 

With this context in mind, the main objective must be for the parties to commit to implementing a permanent and verifiable ceasefire.

 

We further reiterate our call to all parties to uphold the commitments made for de-escalation and lasting peace in the DRC.

 

Mr. President,

 

While fighting continues and humanitarian needs surge, appalling human rights violations and abuses continue to be reported.

 

We are particularly concerned about persistent sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, and the continued reports of significant restrictions on civic space, including arbitrary arrests and unlawful detention of opposition members.

 

Denmark’s stance is clear:

 

Peace will not be achieved without justice.

 

We reiterate our support for the UN Fact-finding mission on the situation in South and North Kivu.

 

The Fact-finding mission’s work should continue through the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, as requested by the UN Human Rights Council in October.

 

We urge continued commitment to justice and accountability for international crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence, underpinned by adequate and sustainable funding.

 

Mr. President, turning to MONUSCO,

 

Denmark welcomes the observations made in the Secretary-General’s letter on the progress towards the establishment of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism.

 

We commend that MONUSCO has participated constructively in the formulation of the mechanism’s Terms of Reference and practical set-up.

 

As a credible actor with significant experience in eastern DRC, we see MONUSCO as well-placed to support ceasefire monitoring.

 

We cannot stress enough the importance of adequate, predictable, and sustainable funding and capabilities for MONUSCO to be able to implement its mandate in full.

 

If not, we risk setting the mission up for failure.

 

It is also clear that the conditions on the ground need to improve for the mission to fully support ceasefire monitoring and implementation.

 

We therefore remind all parties of their obligation to ensure MONUSCO’s full freedom of movement and the safety and security of its peacekeepers.

 

Mr. President, in closing,

 

Denmark remains committed to contributing to peace and stability in the DRC.

 

The evolving situation demands our continued attention, commitment and action.

 

We stand ready to engage with all Council members to this end.

 

I thank you.