UNSC: A3+ Group Condemns All Violence in DRC and Calls for Resumption of Dialogue
The A3+ group at the United Nations Security Council has firmly condemned “with the utmost severity” all acts of violence and violations of international law occurring in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during a meeting held in New York on Wednesday. They urged the conflicting parties to resume dialogue and resolve their differences through peaceful means.
This appeal was made during a Security Council session focused on the Great Lakes region.
Speaking on behalf of the A3+ group—comprising Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana—Somalia’s representative to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, emphasized the escalating violence and activities of armed groups in Eastern DRC. He warned that these developments pose potential threats to regional security and have severe implications for civilians, particularly women and children.
The group also condemned “with the greatest firmness” all forms of violence and violations of international law, including humanitarian law. They urged restraint and enhanced efforts to restore good neighborly relations, peacefully settle disputes, and deepen cooperation among countries.
Acknowledging the interconnected nature of the challenges in the DRC, the A3+ group called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue. They praised the adoption of a joint roadmap between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).
To achieve peace and security, the group stated that “it is imperative to address security challenges in the region by prioritizing the cessation of ongoing violence and attacks carried out by armed groups,” while also calling for improved coordination between regional and international initiatives.
Furthermore, they highlighted that the humanitarian situation in the region is becoming increasingly tragic, with millions of civilians displaced from their homes due to relentless attacks targeting even healthcare facilities, alongside the violence and forced recruitment of children.
In this context, the A3+ group insisted on ensuring humanitarian access and protecting civilians from armed group attacks, emphasizing that “the protection of civilians is integral to peace and stability efforts in the region.”
Additionally, they reaffirmed their support for integrating the Luanda and Nairobi processes, in line with the EAC-SADC summit decision. They urged Rwanda and the DRC to “fully engage in this process, prioritizing regional peace and stability.”
The group reiterated its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all states in the region, asserting that “the path to enduring peace rests on a political solution grounded in dialogue and respect for international law.”
