In her remarks, Ambassador Bakuramutsa highlighted that insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has persisted for more than three decades, with over 160 armed groups still operating in the eastern provinces.

She emphasized that this prolonged crisis is rooted in internal and structural dynamics that require a political and institutional response from the Congolese authorities.

Addressing the AFC/M23 movement, the Ambassador stressed that it is composed of Congolese citizens and emerged from internal political and security grievances, underscoring that solutions must come from within the DRC.

She also pointed out that instability is not limited to border areas, affecting multiple regions of the country, including areas near the capital, Kinshasa.

Ambassador Bakuramutsa further drew attention to the continued presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a documented source of regional instability composed of former members of the ex-Rwandan Armed Forces and the Interahamwe militia responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Despite UN sanctions and an arms embargo, the FDLR continues to receive support from the DRC government and has been integrated into its armed forces, violating Security Council resolutions.

She stressed that neutralizing the FDLR is primarily the responsibility of the DRC, a commitment acknowledged within African Union mediation efforts and the Washington Agreement framework.

Concluding her statement, Ambassador Bakuramutsa underscored that lasting stability in the Great Lakes region depends on a clear understanding of the root causes of conflict and the full exercise of national responsibilities by the DRC.