Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, looked forward to his country’s turn as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2026-2027.  “Our participation will be constructive and holistic,” with a focus on peace, security and conflict prevention and resolution.  Citing the Common African Position on Security Council reform, he said Africa must hold two permanent and two non-permanent seats, with the former enjoying the same rights and obligations as the current permanent members. Africa can no longer remain in the sidelines when decisions are taken for international peace and security, he said.

The illegal exploitation of natural resources is a major cause of conflict, he said, urging the international community to support the independent commission of inquiry into massacres perpetrated in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  As the planet warms, marginalization grows and conflicts multiply, while international law is often flouted.  “The rhetoric of war is gaining ground and we are seeing the return of old demons,” he said, pointing to the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen, Myanmar and Syria as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo where, over three decades, war has become a “predatory exercise” and a “silent genocide”.

He commended the leadership of President Trump for paving the way to dialogue leading to the signing in Washington, D.C., of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.  The withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to support for M23 are non-negotiable conditions for real peace.  He called upon the UN to ensure the strict enforcement of that agreement; “otherwise, the blood of innocents will continue to flow”. Among other steps, he appealed to the General Assembly to recognize the Congolese genocide and to the United Nations to impose sanctions on perpetrators of economic crimes and genocide in the east of the country.

He went on to emphasize the threat to regional stability posed by terrorists and extremist groups and called on the UN to implement a variety of steps, including intelligence-sharing, combatting propaganda and extending support to victims and communities.  The Paris Agreement on climate change remains crucial, he added, describing efforts his country is making to stop and reverse deforestation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also supports the initiative to make ecocide a crime.  He also emphasized financial challenges in Africa, calling for urgent reform of the international financial architecture so that developing countries can access concessional financing.