30.09.2025 STATEMENT BY DENMARK AT THE UNSC BRIEFING ON MONUSCO
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Thank you, Mr. President.
Let me also thank SRSG Keita, and through her, the brave women and men of MONUSCO who continue to work under extremely challenging circumstances in support of peace in the DRC. I would also like to welcome the participation of representatives of Rwanda and DRC in this meeting.
Mr. President,
Allow me to raise four key points.
First, the situation in Eastern DRC remains critical.
As we have heard today, the M23 continues to displace, rape, wound and kill civilians across the region.
Denmark condemns, in the strongest terms, the reported summary executions by M23 in Rutshuru territory in North Kivu, and their military operations in Ituri.
We must, however, remain cognizant that the violence against civilians is not only committed by M23, but a myriad of armed groups, including also the Wazalendo and the Allied Democratic Forces.
These reported acts of violence are not only cruel and brutal, they are in clear violation of international humanitarian law. They must cease immediately.
All parties in Eastern DRC must protect civilians and comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
We call for all perpetrators, regardless of their affiliation or nationality, to be held accountable.
We reiterate our call on Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Eastern DRC and to end all support to the M23. We equally call on the DRC to cease all support to the FDLR and associated militias.
Second, Mr. President,
This insecurity is taking place against the backdrop of a worsening humanitarian situation, where sexual and gender-based violence is rampant.
Where millions of civilians are facing acute food insecurity.
Where limited aid and medical supplies in the region are regularly looted, and delivery is subjected to severe access restrictions.
All the while, as these needs soar, international assistance in alarming decline. It is urgent that we reverse this trend, immediately.
Third, Mr. President,
It is almost a truism, but it bears repeating today: there can be no military solution to this conflict. Political leadership is needed to achieve a political solution.
Denmark supports the peace agreement from June facilitated by the United States, and the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha in July.
But to the civilians caught in the crossfires of this brutal conflict, these agreements need to become more than words on paper. They need to be implemented. Translated into safety, shelter and sustenance.
We call on all relevant actors to continue promoting inclusive dialogue to reduce tensions. Inclusive of local communities and of civil society, and fostering the participation of women.
Fourth and finally, Mr. President,
At this critical junction, we recognise the need to maintain the presence of a strong and credible actor with the capacity to protect civilians and to support the DRC government on the path towards regional stability.
MONUSCO is this actor.
To many, MONUSCO offers a lifeline, protecting civilians in areas under or out of control of M23.
However, it must be able to fulfil its mandate freely.
Regrettably, as we heard several times this morning, this is currently not the case.
The Mission’s freedom of movement is curtailed and impeded by the M23. Its access to basic services is similarly obstructed. The closure of Goma airport has prevented troop rotations.
This is unacceptable. Denmark calls on all parties to observe the provisions of Resolution 2773 in this regard.
Mr. President, in closing,
Recent political progress has offered a rare window of opportunity for peace in the Eastern DRC. Around this table, it is our responsibility to build on this momentum.
To support MONUSCO on the ground.
To demand compliance with our own resolutions and to an end to the violence.
Denmark stands ready to work with all Council members to this end.
Thank you.
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