Statement by H. E. Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh

Ambassador, Permanent Representative

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations

before the Security Council on

"Reaffirming international rule of law: Pathways to reinvigorating peace,

justice and multilateralism"

under the agenda item "Maintenance of international peace and security"

Monday, 27 January 2026

 

Mr. President,

Congratulations to Somalia for assuming the Presidency of the Council for the month of January and masterfully conducting its proceedings.  We thank the Secretary General, H. E. Mr. Antonio Guterres, and the Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, as well as Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf for the briefing.

At the outset, Djibouti reiterates its profound gratitude to Somalia for convening this crucial debate which strikes at the core of the United Nations Charter.  This reflection is not only timely, but also imperative for the survival of a credible multilateral system.  We have to stand up and stand together to defend and strengthen the rules-based order.  We are all, especially small states, threatened by a return to an older order, devoid of justice, where there is no rule of law and might triumphs over right. 

Mr. President,

Somalia teaches the importance of the inseparability of peace and justice under multilateralism from the rule of law.  Djibouti reaffirms its full solidarity with President Hassan Cheikh and the entire Somali leadership in their endeavour to build a more peaceful Somalia, deepen political dialogue, strengthen the rule of law despite persistent security challenges and protect the unity and sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Djibouti reiterates its deep commitment to the principles we are discussing today.  Djibouti, like many small states has historically been a champion of the Charter and international law.  It is not difficult to see why.  Small States have the most to lose by a lawless world where larger, stronger states can dominate smaller ones.

Djibouti, by geographic destiny and political choice, has become a hub for international cooperation, a platform for regional dialogue, and a staunch contributor to collective security. We host vital multilateral presences and have consistently chosen the path of mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes in our region.

Mr. President,

The system we so carefully built 80 years ago is under severe strain. Today, we witness violations of the most fundamental principles of international law and they are so egregious that they impact the entire international community wherever they occur.  When the powerful principles enshrined in our resolutions are applied unevenly and when accountability is a sword for some and a shield for others, trust evaporates. This erosion of trust is not a political inconvenience; it is a poison killing peace efforts.

Djibouti would like to emphasize three pathways for the reinvigoration of the rule of law for the realization of peace, justice, and multilateralism.

First, consistency: The UN Charter’s principles are an indivisible whole. We cannot champion sovereignty, territorial integrity and respect for human rights in one context, only to see them blatantly violated in another with a muted or paralyzed response.  Indeed, double standard is no standard.  We should pay equal attention to the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, terrorism in the Sahel and in the Horn, to cite just a few situations.  The United Nations Security Council should consistently condemn actions which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent states as expressly provided in the Declaration on Principles of international law, concerning Friendly relations and Cooperation among states in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations., annexed to GA resolution 2625.

Second, reinvigoration requires empowered, equitable multilateralism with regional organizations as its cornerstone. The concept note rightly highlights the peaceful settlement of disputes. In Africa, we have made a courageous turn towards judicial and political settlement through the International Court of Justice, regional courts, and bodies like IGAD and the African Union. An addition is the growing national mediation support systems. This growing trust in rules-based resolution is our most precious asset. The African Union is not a bystander. Its framework must be supported and amplified, not sidelined. We must finally breathe life into Chapter VIII of the Charter, forging a genuine partnership where Security Council action reinforces and empowers African-led solutions. National efforts towards peace through mediation deserve stronger engagement and encouragement.

Third, we must courageously confront justice deficit. The powerful Declaration on the Rule of Law (A/RES/67/1) is unequivocal: impunity is intolerable. When the ICJ issues provisional measures, these are not suggestions. They are legal obligations owed to the entire international community. The rule of law becomes a hollow incantation, if we do not back our words with concrete deeds to hold law breakers fully accountable. This Council’s credibility hinges on its consistency in demanding compliance with international law including humanitarian and human rights law in every context, without exception or favor.

In conclusion, Mr. President,

Reinvigorating support for the rule of law at both the domestic and international levels is the foundational necessity for global stability. From Djibouti’s experience as a haven for dialogue and a beacon of stability in a turbulent region, we have witnessed both the devastating cost of the rule of law’s absence and the transformative hope its consistent application brings.

The rule of law prevents the law of the jungle and fosters the peace of nations. Djibouti calls on all members of this Council and indeed the General Assembly, to have the courage to follow the rule of law consistently, and collectively.

I thank you, Mr. President.