Mr. President,

1. Rwanda thanks the High Commissioner for his comprehensive global update and aligns itself to the African group statement delivered by Kenya. 

2. We MEET amid growing and increasingly complex conflicts. Rwanda welcomes the emphasis made on prevention, mediation, early warning and technical cooperation. 

3. Sustainable peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including poverty, exclusion, weak institutions and denial of fundamental rights, through prevention, reconciliation, accountability and inclusive development.

4. Rwanda also stresses the need to address emerging challenges, including climate change, disinformation on digital platforms, and the digital divide. These challenges require an effective multilateral collaboration rather than fragmented or politicized responses.

5. In this context, Rwanda denounces the DRC’s attempt to politicise the work of this Council and to externalize responsibility for the suffering inflicted upon its own citizens by its own actions. The Kinshasa regime is responsible for amplifying hate speech, it is responsible for arming and financing armed groups including the wazalendo and FDLR, a UN Sanctioned armed terrorist group. 

6. Lasting peace requires accountability and genuine commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict.

I thank you.