Guyana voices concern over 122 per cent surge in DRC civilian fatalities

…urges armed groups to halt attacks, lift restrictions on MONUSCO

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett has sounded the alarm over spiralling violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), warning that civilian fatalities have risen by 122 per cent, largely due to attacks by armed groups including M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Delivering a statement on behalf of the A3+ grouping of Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Guyana at Tuesday’s UN Security Council briefing, Rodrigues-Birkett called for armed groups to cease targeting civilians and to lift restrictions that hinder the operations of the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
She stressed that despite MONUSCO’s efforts to expand patrols, strengthen early warning systems and provide shelter to displaced persons, its ability to protect communities continues to be undermined. “We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all parties, particularly armed groups, to cease attacks on civilians and lift restrictions on MONUSCO’s operations,” Rodrigues-Birkett told the Council.
“We remain deeply concerned by the alarming increase in violence against civilians, with a 122 per cent rise in fatalities attributed mainly to M23, ADF, and other armed groups. MONUSCO’s efforts to expand patrols, strengthen early warning systems, and shelter displaced civilians are commendable, but restrictions on its freedom of movement undermine its ability to protect communities. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for all parties, particularly armed groups, to cease attacks on civilians and lift restrictions on MONUSCO’s operations.”
“The A3+ is equally troubled by the human rights situation. MONUSCO’s documentation of over 1100 violations, including summary executions, abductions, and sexual violence, is deeply alarming. We stress the importance of accountability for all perpetrators, strengthening judicial institutions, and ensuring the protection of journalists, women, and children,” the envoy said.
While welcoming political steps taken by President Félix Tshisekedi – including a Government reshuffle to broaden inclusivity and the launch of an inclusive national dialogue – the A3+ underscored that these initiatives must be fully implemented to strengthen governance and build trust.
The statement also commended recent peace agreements, including the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda and the Doha Declaration involving the Government and AFC/M23, describing them as crucial frameworks for de-escalating hostilities and advancing regional integration.
However, Rodrigues-Birkett cautioned that the human rights situation remains deeply troubling, pointing to MONUSCO’s documentation of more than 1100 violations. She emphasised the need for accountability, stronger judicial institutions, and greater protections for journalists, women, and children.
The humanitarian picture is equally dire, with 5.3 million persons displaced, 27.7 million facing food insecurity, and disease outbreaks compounding the crisis. Yet less than 15 per cent of required humanitarian funding has been secured. The A3+ urged urgent international contributions and called for the reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports, which have been closed, severely disrupting the delivery of life-saving aid.
The statement praised MONUSCO’s contributions despite financial constraints, restricted movement and operational challenges, warning that any future drawdown of the mission must be “conditions-based, responsible and aligned with progress on the ground” to avoid creating a dangerous security vacuum. The group also urged member states to honour their financial obligations to ensure the mission can continue fulfilling its mandate.
Rodrigues-Birkett also underscored the importance of women’s participation in peace processes, calling their inclusion “essential to achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation.” The A3+ further stressed the need to tackle illegal mineral exploitation and other root causes of conflict through responsible resource governance and stronger regional cooperation.
Reaffirming solidarity with the Congolese people, the A3+ pledged continued support for African-led peace efforts while urging the Security Council to remain engaged. “We must ensure that peace agreements translate into meaningful progress on the ground,” Rodrigues-Birkett declared. “The Security Council must remain seized of the matter, committed to reinforcing African-led solutions and accompanying the Congolese people on their path to lasting peace, stability and development.”