On September 23, DR Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, emphasizing the need for immediate action on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Representing President Félix Tshisekedi, Suminwa denounced the Rwandan aggression against the DRC through the armed group AFC/M23. She highlighted the devastating consequences of the conflict, including mass displacement, sexual violence, and child recruitment.
Suminwa expressed frustration over the slow implementation of UN resolutions, particularly resolution 2773, and called on the UN Security Council to enforce its own decisions. She stressed that the DRC no longer wants to see the presence of the FDLR used as a pretext for foreign military presence on Congolese soil, citing efforts by Kinshasa to disarm and demobilize. The Prime Minister's statement reflected the DRC's concerns over the handling of international crises and the need for a more equitable multilateralism.
Judith Suminwa advocated for a renovated and equitable multilateralism, emphasizing that institutions established in 1945 must adapt to contemporary realities. She reaffirmed the DRC's position in favor of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which call for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council.
The Prime Minister highlighted the DRC's crucial role in the global energy transition and advocated for the local transformation of natural resources to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth. She proposed the creation of a global framework under the UN for resilient and traceable supply chains of critical minerals. Suminwa emphasized the DRC's desire to move beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials and become a sovereign partner in the global economy.
Judith Suminwa also addressed the financial challenges facing the DRC in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, estimated to require over $70 billion. She reaffirmed her government's commitment to preserving the Congo Basin and consolidating peace. The Prime Minister's speech reflected the DRC's aspirations for a more prominent role in international affairs and its desire for a fairer global economic order.
Suminwa's address was part of a broader call for international cooperation and solidarity in addressing global challenges. She emphasized the need for the international community to work together to address pressing issues, including conflict, poverty, and climate change. The Prime Minister's message resonated with the UN's efforts to promote sustainable development and peace.
In conclusion, Judith Suminwa's speech at the UN General Assembly underscored the DRC's determination to assert its voice on the international stage. Her call for the implementation of UN resolutions and a more equitable global order reflected the country's aspirations for a more prominent role in international affairs. The international community will be watching closely as the DRC continues to navigate its complex relationships with neighboring countries and the global community.
Key points
- DR Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa calls for immediate implementation of UN resolutions on eastern conflict.
- Suminwa advocates for a renovated and equitable multilateralism, including reforms to the UN Security Council.
- The DRC seeks to move beyond being a supplier of raw materials and become a sovereign partner in the global economy.
