The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Judith Suminwa, used her recent visit to New York during the country’s rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council to highlight pressing national and international priorities. Her agenda centered on the urgent need for justice, civilian protection, and accountability in conflict zones.

Upholding democratic principles amid political tensions

Addressing concerns over upcoming opposition-led protests against proposed constitutional amendments, Judith Suminwa reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to democratic values. “This is a democratic nation,” she stated, emphasizing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, such actions must remain within the bounds of the law and constitutional order.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of collective adherence to legal frameworks, framing it as a patriotic duty to preserve national unity and stability during periods of political debate.

Demanding justice for war crimes and civilian protection

At the UN, the DRC called for a stronger global focus on civilian safety in conflict zones, where millions face displacement, violence, and humanitarian crises. Judith Suminwa stressed that protecting vulnerable populations—especially women, children, and survivors of sexual violence—must be a top priority in international peacekeeping efforts.

She criticized the gap between resolutions and their implementation, urging the Security Council to move beyond symbolic declarations and enforce real accountability for war crimes.

Sexual violence as a weapon of war: a call for decisive action

The Prime Minister condemned the systematic use of sexual violence in conflict, describing it as a deliberate strategy of war. She urged the international community to integrate protections for survivors into ceasefire negotiations and peace agreements, ensuring they receive justice, medical care, and reparations.

“No perpetrator should evade accountability,” she declared, advocating for robust judicial mechanisms to prosecute those responsible for such atrocities.

Combating Ebola: balancing health and humanitarian needs

Beyond security concerns, Judith Suminwa addressed the ongoing Ebola outbreak, emphasizing the need for coordinated global support. While international partners have pledged nearly $1 billion in aid, she stressed the critical importance of timely fund disbursement to prevent further spread.

The DRC has allocated $50 million of its own resources to combat the epidemic, with funds already directed toward research and healthcare responses led by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB). The Prime Minister warned that the health crisis could escalate into a broader humanitarian disaster if economic and social vulnerabilities are not addressed.