Statement by HE Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, at the Security Council meeting on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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28 January 2025

Thank you Mr. President.

I would like to thank Ms. van de Perre, Deputy SRSG for briefing us on this urgent meeting today and commend the courage of all of MONUSCO’s personnel in these very difficult circumstances. I would also like to welcome the participation of the honorable Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in our meeting.

Allow me to emphasize four key points:

First, we strongly condemn the capture of the town of Sake on January 23rd and the invasion of Goma on January 27th by M23. We reiterate that the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC must be fully respected. The presence of Rwandan troops on the territory of DRC and their support to the M23, as also stated by the Secretary General on January 26, are very concerning and are strongly condemned. We call on Rwanda to cease its support to the M23 and to withdraw its forces now.

Second, we call for urgent de-escalation and we stress that it is more imperative than ever that particularly Rwanda and DRC commit to the ceasefire as agreed last August, re-engage in the political dialogue and implement all decisions and commitments agreed under the Luanda process. Greece will continue to support African-led initiatives and welcomes the emergency ministerial session on the conflict in Eastern DRC convened today by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council and the upcoming meeting of the East African Community (EAC) tomorrow. We call DRC and Rwanda to return immediately to the table of negotiations.

Third, we are deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian and security consequences of the M23 offensive in North Kivu. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access. We strongly condemn all forms of human rights violations, abuses, violence against civilians, sex and gender based violence in particular.

Fourth, we reiterate our full support to MONUSCO which is acting within its mandate and doing critical work in the DRC, including in the area of Goma, stress our strong commitment to the safety and security of its peacekeepers, condemns the attacks committed against its personnel and offer condolences to the families and governments of the deceased peacekeepers.

MONUSCO must be granted full access and freedom of movement to effectively fulfill its mandate and address urgent needs. The protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel must remain an absolute priority. Attacks against peacekeepers may constitute potential war crimes and those attacks against MONUSCO peacekeepers form also a basis for potential sanctions designations.

Mr. President,

We stand ready to consider any further engagement of the Council as necessary.

I thank you.

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