19.02.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on DRC

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank SRSG Keita for informing us of the current situation on the ground, and Special Envoy Xia for his briefing on regional peace efforts.

I welcome the presence of H.E. Foreign Minister Wagner at this meeting as well as all the representatives from the region.

Mr. President,

Denmark strongly condemns the ongoing offensive by the M23, backed by the RDF as well as the recent capture of Kavumu airport and the city of Bukavu.

The offensive has resulted in immense suffering, and risks plunging the re-gion into an even deeper and wider conflict.

There can be no military solution; only a political one.

What is urgently needed is the resumption of dialogue with all state and non-state actors - including the M23 - within the framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes; respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law; and the full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.

We call on Rwanda to immediately withdraw its forces from DRC territory, and to cease its support to the M23.

The M23 must immediately halt and reverse its ongoing offensive, and withdraw from the territories it has taken control of.

We call on the DRC to cease its support to the FDLR.

Mr. President, allow me to make three points.

First; what we are witnessing in North and South Kivu is nothing short of a man-made humanitarian catastrophe.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are urgently seeking protection from violence, persecution, rape, disease and death.

Humanitarians have been attacked and killed, humanitarian warehouses and facilities have been looted, access and supply routes have been obstructed, and civilian infrastructure has been attacked.

This leaves civilians, including women and children, at even greater risk.

This is unacceptable.

Denmark demands the full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian and medical staff, and demands that all parties immediately uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Second, we are appalled by the reports of ongoing serious human rights violations and abuses taking place in North and South Kivu, including summary executions and sexual and gender-based violence.

We condemn any attacks or threats against journalists, human rights defenders and members of civil society organisations.

Those responsible must be held to account. We welcome the recent decision by the Human Rights Council to support such efforts.

Third, we reiterate our unwavering support to MONUSCO as it continues its mandated tasks in a highly complex environment.

The actions of the M23 and RDF are not only putting peacekeepers at risk, but also obstructing the implementation of the mission’s mandate.

The safety and security of UN and humanitarian personnel,including those sheltering in MONUSCO bases - must be ensured.

As must as the freedom of movement of MONUSCO.

We reiterate that targeted attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers constitutes a breach of international law, may constitute a war crime, and may serve as ground for the imposition of UN sanctions.

Mr. President,

Let me conclude by commending the African-led efforts to reach a solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC.

Spearheaded by Angolan president Lourenco, we saw last year a glimpse of hope in the Luanda process.

That momentum must be maintained.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for any future joint peace process owned by and for the region, including by the East African Community, the South African Development Community, and the African Union.

As a matter of international peace and security, however, the Security Council has its own responsibility to take action for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the eastern DRC.

It is our duty to urgently consider how to utilize the available means to halt and reverse this escalation, ensure humanitarian access, and safeguard stability in the region.

Denmark stands ready to work with all members to this end.

I thank you.