Pakistan has called on all parties involved in the peace processes for the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to maintain momentum and fully implement their commitments to address the protracted conflict. Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, urged the UN Security Council to ensure that political promises translate into tangible improvements in security and stability.
Call for Ceasefire and Implementation of Resolution 2773
“We call on all parties to honour their commitments, fully implement (Security Council) resolution 2773, and create the conditions necessary for a credible, verifiable and lasting ceasefire,” Ambassador Jadoon said during a Security Council debate on the DRC. He highlighted that the continued territorial expansion and consolidation of control by the M23 rebel group, the increasing use of armed drones, and the worsening humanitarian situation underscore the urgent need for action.
The DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region has experienced years of offensive by the M23, with support from Rwandan forces. In February 2025, the Security Council demanded that M23 immediately cease hostilities and called on the Rwanda Defence Force to end its support. A peace agreement was signed a year ago in Washington, D.C., between the DRC and Rwanda, alongside other diplomatic initiatives such as the Doha framework and African Union mediation efforts.
Role of MONUSCO and Peacekeeping Challenges
In December 2025, the Security Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for one year to support the implementation of a permanent ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda. Ambassador Jadoon expressed Pakistan’s support for a “pragmatic and phased approach” toward MONUSCO’s future role in ceasefire arrangements. He emphasized that the Mission “remains the only impartial international presence with the institutional experience, logistical reach and operational capabilities required to support stabilization efforts and the protection of civilians.”
Once conditions permit, the Pakistan envoy added, MONUSCO could play a constructive role in supporting monitoring and verification arrangements. However, he cautioned that any such role must be guided by ground realities. “Freedom of movement, unhindered access, cooperation of the parties and above all, the safety and security of peacekeepers are indispensable prerequisites for success,” he stressed, urging the Council to ensure that expectations placed on MONUSCO are realistic and matched by available capabilities and resources.
Humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Protection
James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the DRC and Head of MONUSCO, noted sustained diplomatic engagement by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. He drew attention to the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism Plus, responsible for monitoring and verifying ceasefire commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the DRC government and M23 with the International Conference on the Great Lakes region. MONUSCO is supporting the operationalization of this Mechanism and called for its swift deployment.
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict, Swan said, also noting the prevalence of human rights violations across the country, including conflict-related sexual violence. The Mission has intensified its patrols and deployment of mobile operating bases, supporting local and provincial peace mechanisms in Ituri, as well as security sector reform efforts led by the DRC government.
Pakistan’s Solidarity and Tribute to Peacekeepers
Ambassador Jadoon paid tribute to the men and women of MONUSCO serving under exceptionally difficult circumstances, including in areas affected by the ongoing Ebola outbreak. “Their professionalism, dedication and sacrifice remain indispensable to the protection of civilians and the pursuit of lasting peace,” he said. In conclusion, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC.
