UNSC: A3+ Group Voices Concern Over Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern DRC
The “A3+” group of the UN Security Council expressed its profound concern on Thursday in New York regarding the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, integrity, and stability of the country.
This statement was made in a communiqué delivered by Michael Imran Kanu, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+ group. This coalition consists of three non-permanent African members of the Security Council—Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia—as well as the Republic of Guyana from the Caribbean region. The communiqué was presented during a briefing focused on the situation in the DRC.
“We express our concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” stated the group members. “This conflict has adversely affected all sectors of society, exacerbated economic hardship, displaced millions, and devastated entire communities.”
The “A3+” group reiterated its urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the eastern regions of the country, emphasizing that there is no justification for the continuation of this destructive conflict. “Each passing day of violence only intensifies the suffering and distress of the population. We must take immediate action to silence the guns and end the bloodshed,” the group specified.
The members reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, peace, and stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commending the ongoing efforts of conflicting parties to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution, thus taking encouraging steps toward restoring trust and security in the nation.
They called on all parties to ensure the rapid, secure, and unobstructed access of humanitarian workers while expressing gratitude for recent initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation.
Additionally, the group urged the Security Council and the international community to support these efforts to achieve genuine peace. They praised the coordinated diplomatic actions of African leaders and regional organizations in resolving the conflict, reiterating that the solution must stem from inclusive dialogue rather than through armed conflict.
The A3+ group urged all parties to respect the sovereignty of the DRC in accordance with UN Resolution 2773, which demands the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Congolese territory and prohibits neighboring countries from providing them support or refuge.
Finally, the group called on the Security Council and the international community to further assist the DRC by backing ongoing regional political initiatives, which they believe represent the best path toward achieving lasting and permanent peace.
