Explanation of Vote – DRC Resolution
Mr. President,
Sierra Leone thanks France for its efforts leading to the adoption of resolution 2773.
We have voted in favor of today’s resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in line with our firm commitment to African-led solutions, regional peace efforts, and the pursuit of dialogue as the only sustainable pathway to lasting stability in Eastern DRC. Our vote also took into consideration United Nations Charter principles and the mandate of the UN Security Council, including in supporting regional arrangements in pursuit of peace and stability.
The resolution underscores the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of all uninvited foreign forces, and renewed engagement in diplomatic dialogue through the merged Luanda and Nairobi processes. It affirms our shared belief that there is no military solution to the conflcit and that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the DRC must be upheld.
Sierra Leone welcomes the strong support for regional initiatives led by the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). These efforts reflect the principle that African challenges require African leadership and solutions, with the support of the international community.
We strongly condemn the ongoing hostilities and remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis, forced displacement, and the suffering of civilians, including reports of human rights abuses and sexual and gender-based violence. We reaffirm our full support for MONUSCO and SAMIDRC in fulfilling their mandates to protect civilians and restore peace.
The illegal exploitation of natural resources remains a key driver of instability in the region. We call for greater accountability, transparency, and adherence to international frameworks to prevent the financing of armed groups through illicit mineral trade.
Sierra Leone urges all parties, particularly the Governments of the DRC and Rwanda, to recommit to diplomatic dialogue and fully implement their agreed commitments. We emphasize the need for coordinated and harmonized mediation efforts under His excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, Chairperson of the African Union (Luanda Process) and former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Nairobi Process) to advance a credible political solution to the crisis.
Mr. President,
For 11 years, Sierra Leone experienced a tragic civil war that accounted for more than 50,000 lives. As in the case of Congo, this Council authorized a peacekeeping mission, including the first protection of civilian mandate. Our path to ending this decade-long cycle of violence was not easy. At some point we realized that our conflict will not end through decisive military victories, and that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable path to lasting peace. We had to talk with each other in good faith and commit to signing a peace agreement, with the necessary political will. Talking to adversaries is hard, perhaps a taboo for some, but we do not make peace with friends but with adversaries.
Like Sierra Leone, a similar roadmap is being offered as outlined in the harmonized plan under the Luanda process. The plan provides a solid basis for Rwanda to disengage its forces and for the DRC to neutralize the FDLR. We urge Council Members, as well as the broader international community to meaningfully support this African-led initiative that will bring Rwanda and DRC to the negotiating table in good faith.
In voting in favor of this resolution, Sierra Leone stands in solidarity with the people of the DRC and the broader region. We remain committed to supporting all efforts that advance peace, security, and sustainable development in line with the principles of the UN Charter and the aspirations of the African continent.
Dialogue is a fundamental tool for conflict resolution, but its success depends on strong implementation and compliance mechanisms for agreed commitments, political will, and addressing root causes. As dialogue remains the key to long-term stability, Sierra Leone’s peace process demonstrates that a well-structured peace agreement, backed by regional and international support, can transform a war-torn country, a lesson that can guide efforts to end the violence in eastern DRC. Sierra Leone will continue to engage constructively to ensure the full and effective implementation of this resolution.
I thank you
