The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Judith Suminwa, recently addressed critical issues during her visit to New York as part of the country’s rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Her agenda centered on reinforcing international justice, ensuring the safety of civilians, and upholding democratic principles amid rising tensions.
Defending democratic freedoms and constitutional order
In response to opposition-led protests against proposed constitutional amendments, Judith Suminwa emphasized the importance of peaceful and lawful expression. “The DRC remains committed to democratic values,” she stated, acknowledging the right to demonstrate while insisting that all actions must comply with national laws and constitutional frameworks.
She framed the debate around national unity, asserting that dissent must be balanced with adherence to legal and institutional norms. Her message reinforced the government’s stance that stability and legal compliance are non-negotiable pillars of democracy.
Protecting civilians in conflict zones
During her address, the Prime Minister called for a global shift in focus toward the protection of civilians in conflict settings. With multiple humanitarian crises unfolding worldwide, she underscored the DRC’s commitment to prioritizing the most vulnerable populations—women, children, and survivors of violence.
The government’s position is clear: protecting civilians is not merely a matter of adopting resolutions but ensuring their enforcement on the ground. Judith Suminwa highlighted the need for robust international mechanisms to prevent atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Sexual violence as a weapon of war must end
One of the most pressing concerns raised by Judith Suminwa was the systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic in armed conflicts. She described it as a deliberate strategy employed by armed groups, calling for urgent action from the Security Council to address this scourge.
Her advocacy extends beyond rhetoric. She proposed concrete steps, including the integration of protections for survivors into ceasefire negotiations, the establishment of dedicated support systems, and the guarantee of justice through fair trials. “Perpetrators of such crimes must face consequences,” she declared, stressing that impunity cannot be tolerated.
Combating Ebola amid humanitarian challenges
In addition to security concerns, Judith Suminwa addressed the ongoing battle against Ebola in the DRC. International partners have pledged nearly a billion dollars to combat the outbreak, but she stressed the importance of timely disbursement to prevent further spread.
The Congolese government has contributed 50 million dollars of its own funds, with allocations already directed toward research, healthcare responses, and coordination led by the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB). The Prime Minister emphasized that the health crisis cannot be viewed in isolation—its social and economic impacts must be managed to prevent deepening humanitarian suffering.
