The Congolese leader emphasized that accountability for war crimes must be non-negotiable, calling for immediate action against perpetrators who exploit conflict to target civilians, particularly through sexual violence.

Upholding democratic values amid protests

Addressing concerns about upcoming opposition demonstrations against constitutional amendments, Suminwa reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to democratic principles. “We operate in a democratic system,” she stated, clarifying that while protest rights are guaranteed, they must align with constitutional and legal frameworks to maintain national stability.

The Prime Minister underscored that national unity depends on respecting shared legal boundaries, rejecting any attempt to weaponize public dissent against the country’s stability.

Protecting civilians in conflict zones

At the UN Security Council, the DRC is pushing for international discussions to prioritize civilian protection in war zones. Suminwa highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian fallout from ongoing conflicts, particularly the plight of women, children, and survivors of sexual violence.

She stressed that resolutions must translate into tangible action, with dedicated resources and monitoring mechanisms to ensure their enforcement on the ground.

Sexual violence as a weapon of war

The Prime Minister condemned the systematic use of sexual violence in conflict as a deliberate strategy to destabilize communities. “This is not collateral damage—it is a calculated tactic,” she declared, urging the Security Council to integrate this issue into ceasefire negotiations and post-conflict justice frameworks.

Suminwa called for victim-centered approaches, including reparations and legal recognition of their rights, while pushing for stronger sanctions against perpetrators to deter future atrocities.

Combating Ebola amid multiple crises

Beyond security concerns, the DRC is also grappling with the Ebola outbreak, which has strained an already fragile healthcare system. Suminwa reported that international partners have pledged nearly $1 billion to support the response, though she warned that timely fund disbursement remains critical to effective containment.

The Congolese government has contributed $50 million to the effort, with allocations already directed toward research and healthcare infrastructure through the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB).

She emphasized that the crisis transcends health, with severe socio-economic repercussions for vulnerable populations. “We cannot afford to let this become a humanitarian catastrophe,” she warned, calling for a coordinated approach to mitigate both the health and economic impacts of the epidemic.