The UK condemns attacks against civilians by armed groups such as ADF and M23 in eastern DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom commends Qatar, the African Union and the United States for their leadership and facilitation of negotiations between the parties in the DRC.

We welcome the second meeting in Washington DC this month on the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda.

We urge all parties to continue to engage in negotiations in good faith to secure a durable political solution.

The parties must implement their commitments in full, and comply with Council resolution 2773. This includes the withdrawal of Rwandan Defence Forces from DRC's territory.

Second, we condemn violence by armed groups in eastern DRC.

Recent months have seen a significant increase in attacks against civilians, particularly at the hands of ADF and M23.

The sharp increase in sexual violence in 2025, as set out in the Secretary-General's reporting, is particularly concerning.

We urge all parties to protect civilians and to facilitate humanitarian access to vulnerable populations in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

The UK is proud to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in eastern DRC through the provision of approximately $80m of lifesaving assistance this financial year.

Third, the United Kingdom emphasises its full support to MONUSCO and its mandate agreed by this Council.

Continued obstructions to MONUSCO's operations, particularly in areas occupied by M23, are unacceptable.

We encourage all States to make clear to M23 and all parties, that Council decisions must be complied with. And we encourage continued reporting by the SRSG on progress towards resolving restrictions on MONUSCO's work.