YouSaid · the spoken record

Caholo

lines on the record: 54
first: 2021-10-20
most recent: 2023-10-17
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We call on the Security Council and the United Nations to support those initiatives in order to impress on all armed groups the importance of laying down their arms and supporting the initiatives that are in progress under the subregional leadership supervised by the United Nations and the African Union. As I end this briefing, I want to appeal strongly to the international community to support the institutions on the ground, such as the ICGLR and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, in implementing all those initiatives. In the past few months we have demonstrated that strategic partnerships between United Nations bodies and local, regional and subregional organizations can have a positive impact on implementing and harmonizing the various existing initiatives.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“There are currently two initiatives being spearheaded by the subregional organizations: the Luanda road map, under the leadership His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, current Chair of the ICGLR, African Union Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa and the mediator between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The other initiative is being led by Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and Chair of the East African Community. There is also the initiative being led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“I have also shared with the Security Council an assessment of the current situation in the Central African Republic, Kenya and the Sudan, and called on the Security Council to pay greater attention to what is happening in those countries. The situation in the Sudan is threatening that country’s existence as an independent State, given the ongoing conflict between the two rival stakeholders — the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Lastly, I draw the attention of the Security Council to the situation involving the activities of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a-Islamic State in northern Mozambique, which continue to negatively impact the security situation of the neighbouring Mtwara and Ruvuma regions of the United Republic of Tanzania. Let me conclude with the following consideration.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“The M-23’s refusal to withdraw and its reoccupation of certain areas previously handed over to the East African Community regional forces, which is part of those processes, has led to tensions between the M-23 and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Kanyamahoro and clashes between the M-23 and the Wazalendo local armed groups in Masisi and Rutshuru territories, causing the displacement of people, hence making the humanitarian situation even more critical. Some communication and supply routes that had already been opened are at risk of being closed as a result of the situation. I have shared my report in which I describe the continued tense situation in South Kivu, Ituri province and Haut Uele.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“The regional verification mechanisms of the ICGLR and the East African Community requested by the East African Community regional force to conduct the verification mission were prevented from accessing the area concerned on 12 October by the M-23 at a roadblock that they had set up in Mwaro. The Luanda road map and the Nairobi process are at a standstill following the M-23’s refusal to withdraw from all the areas that it occupies to precanton at Rumangabo before the Kundu cantonment, as decided by the Luanda road map.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“The most recent killings were verified by the regional verification mechanisms of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the East African Community. They took place in 15 July in Rubona, Bukombo groupment in Rutshuru territory, where the M-23 killed 12 unarmed civilians, including women and children, and in Marangara, where 11 civilians were killed on 16 August 2023. Other killings also recently took place on 9 October 2023 in Bushenge, six kilometres to the south of Rumangabo in Rutshuru territory where eight civilians were killed.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Mr. Caholo: As my colleague Ambassador Huang Xia has gone into detail on the various initiatives being taken in the Great Lakes region, I will limit my focus to what is currently happening in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The security and humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the country is tense and unpredictable, following the resumption of clashes between the Mouvement du 23 mars (M- 23) and local armed groups that describe themselves as Wazalendo. Those clashes have been reported in the eastern part of Masisi and the north-western part of Rutshuru, in violation of the current Rwanda ceasefire of 23 of November 2022. The security situation is also characterized by targeted assassinations and the killing of civilians by the M-23 in areas under its control.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“The recent mini-summit on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, convened on 21 April 2022 and attended by the Heads of State and Government of the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Uganda is a very commendable initiative. We call upon the Security Council to support the resolutions emanating thereof”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The causes and triggers of violence in the region are many and overlapping. We urge the Security Council to intensify calls for violence-free elections and peaceful coexistence of the peoples of the region. As I conclude, I am grateful to the Security Council for continuing to place the situation in the Great Lakes region on its agenda, which allows the Council to remain seized with and apply itself to matters concerning the region. As the representative of the ICGLR, I would like to reiterate and underscore the capacity of the leaders of the region to reach compromises that can lead to further peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“In general, the Great Lakes region continues to face threats from the terrorism and mercenary-fighter phenomenon emanating from global and regional terrorist groups that continue to recruit, radicalize, plan and execute attacks. Terrorism remains a security concern attributed to the activities of the ADF in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Al-Shabaab terror group in Kenya and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in the Sudan. We call upon the Council to work closely with the leaders of the Great Lakes region to seal and secure the external borders of the region. The Republic of Angola and the Republic of Kenya are scheduled to hold general elections in August 2022. While competitive elections are a hallmark of democracy, elections in the region have always been a flashpoint for conflict and violence.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“In addition, we are happy to have witnessed the hosting of the negotiations that ended with the signing of the Khartoum Agreement between the parties to the conflict in the Central African Republic in February 2019. Further and more importantly, allow me to reiterate the request of His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the ICGLR, for the Security Council to urgently reconsider the arms embargo, which continues to impinge on the defence and security forces’ ability to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Central African Republic and restore and maintain law and order in the country. Political stability and economic development can only be brought about with improvements in the defence, security and humanitarian situation in the country.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“However, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) was happy to witness some achievements, such as the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement on the 3 October 2020 and the hosting and facilitating of the peace negotiations that culminated in the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement for South Sudan. At the moment, the Government of the Sudan is in the process of implementing economic reforms aimed at normalizing relations with the international financial institutions and attracting foreign direct investment. We call upon the Security Council to encourage all Sudanese parties to engage in a political dialogue leading to a consensus with a view to organizing free and transparent elections by the end of the transitional period in conformity with the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our call for the Security Council and the entire international community to support the efforts of the Government of the Republic of the Sudan and the Government of the Republic of Uganda to assist the South Sudanese parties in expediting the implementation the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which was signed in September 2018, and which sought to end the civil war that took place between 2013 and 2018. In addition, we joined the international community in calling for dialogue between the South Sudanese parties in order to bring an end to the strife. The Republic of the Sudan is in a transitional period after the revolutionary change in December 2018. The revolution put the Sudan on the path of democratic transformation, peace and stability, but the country is still facing challenges in areas of peace and economic development.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“In March, there were reports of escalating tensions and clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- Army in Opposition in the Upper Nile state counties, in full violation of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Furthermore, elements of the National Salvation Front, commonly known as NAS, continue to perpetrate atrocities against civilians and carry out attacks on the positions of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, in violation of the 2018 ceasefire agreement. The NAS was involved in killings, abductions, extortions and burning of vehicles along the entire length of the Juba- Yei-Kaya and Juba-Nimule roads. Notwithstanding that, the Government of South Sudan continued to implement the Revitalized Agreement.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic, in accordance with the joint road map adopted at the end of 16 September mini-summit. Despite the declaration of the ceasefire, there continue to be violations of the joint road map, and cases of violence in the country are still being reported. We continue to urge the warring parties to respect the implementation of the joint road map and support the technical team comprising the Republic of Angola the Central African Republic and the Republic of Rwanda on the follow-up of the implementation process of the joint road map on the Central African Republic. We again call upon the Security Council to remain vigilant and to be seized of the matter. The situation in South Sudan remains volatile.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The Mbororo are noted to be assisting the Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique and the Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation group and are also trafficking arms within the Central African Republic. Frequent clashes are noted between rival ethnic armed groups who were for or against the implementation of the Khartoum Peace Agreement and the Luanda road map. Through the able leadership of His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, in his capacity as Chairperson of the ICGLR, the organization hosted three mini- summits on the political and security situation in the Central African Republic on 29 January, 20 April and 16 September 2021. Those high-level meetings resulted in the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire on 15 October 2021 by His Excellency Mr.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“We call upon the Security Council to support regional efforts and those of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo to protect innocent lives in this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) will remain vigilant through its Mineral Tracking and Certification Scheme so as to ensure that those armed groups are not financed by the illegal exploitation of natural resources. In the Central African Republic, the security situation remains a concern following activities of armed groups in some parts of the northern, north- eastern, eastern, western and central parts of the country.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo deployed more troops to Ituri in March 2022. There is an increase in killings with machetes, arrows, small weapons and guns. In addition, attacks on a camp for internally displaced persons in Ituri have increased. That must be condemned, and all actors must be called upon to end the violence and the violations of international humanitarian law. The resurgence of the M-23 rebel group in North Kivu on Tuesday, 29 March, is an issue of great concern for the region. The rebels attacked military positions in Chanzu and Runyoni, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, causing loss of lives and displacement of locals in those villages. On 1 April, the group announced a unilateral ceasefire on the front lines of the Jomba grouping in Rutshuru territory.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a state of siege on 3 May 2021 over parts of the national territory, including North Kivu and Ituri, in accordance with article 85 of the Constitution of the Republic. The Parliament of the Republic reviews and renews the state of siege every 15 days. The country has thereby made progress in the security sector, and the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo have regained control of several villages, with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it is worth noting that intercommunal violence and increased armed group activities have continued in those areas, which is of great concern to us.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The Great Lakes region faces various security challenges, emanating mainly from the activities of negative forces and armed groups operating in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and the Republic of South Sudan. On the security front, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a resurgence of attacks by armed groups, rebel forces and Islamist terrorists, who are sowing terror by massacring and abducting civilians and burning villages, among other things, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those armed groups include militias from the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, the Force de résistance patriotique d’Ituri, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Mayi-Mayi groups and the Movement du 23 mars (M-23). In a bid to curb growing insecurity, His Excellency Mr.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“Mr. Caholo: Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the United Kingdom, and indeed the entire Security Council, for including this very important topic in the programme of work for the month of April 2022. I also extend my gratitude to the United Kingdom through its representative, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, and her team for the able leadership exhibited thus far and for inviting me to address the Council. It is always an honour to speak to the Security Council. As per the invitation, I am required to present my perspective on the situation in the Great Lakes region. I will therefore provide an update on major developments in the region with regard to the political and security situation. I will conclude by providing some recommendations for the consideration of the Security Council.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“We in the ICGLR will remain committed to facilitating long-term stability in the Central African Republic and the entire region. We applaud the Government and all stakeholders’ commitment to promoting peace, bolstering institutional stability and restoring security in the country and the region. We fully support and will continue to fully support the implementation of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region, which serves as a legal framework and agenda for creating the conditions for security, stability and development among its member States.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“In the same vein, I call on cooperating partners to fully honour their pledges so that the Central African Republic can fully support National Electoral Authority and hold credible and fair elections. Furthermore, importantly, allow me to reiterate the request of His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the ICGLR, that the Security Council needs to reconsider the arms embargo, which continues to impinge on the security forces’ ability to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Central African Republic and restore and maintain law and order in the country. Political stability and economic development can be brought about only with the improvement of the security and humanitarian situation of the country.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The country currently lacks a dynamic and adaptive social-technical system configured to design and execute joint regional actions. The country has very few security troops and State police officers with the right skills, necessary equipment and capacity to protect civilians from large-scale outbreaks of violence. That has contributed to inadequate public service provision, the inability to implement regional programmes and the deteriorating security situation. As I conclude, allow me to say that there is a need for the Security Council, through the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, to work with the Government of the Central African Republic to pursue vigorous country-driven security sector reforms to help the country better address complex security challenges.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“We in the ICGLR are of the view that it is time that we engaged young people in a real process of transformation. The youth must be considered as active partners for the implementation of development projects and programmes. The security situation in the Central African Republic remains unstable. Although the ceasefire was signed, the Unité pour la paix en Centrafrique and the Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation movements continue to perpetuate abuses against civilian populations and attacks against the defence and security forces. We have written time and again, through the ICGLR presidency, calling for the armed leaders and groups to respect their commitments and condemn the use of anti-personnel mines. We have also noticed that the Government has yet to strengthen its command-and-control mechanism.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Currently, the registration of citizens, including internally displaced persons, refugee returnees and newly eligible adults are yet to be fully on course, and the country may not complete the task by 30 April unless it manages to mobilize approximately $10 million. That is a recipe for political and electoral violence arising from disputed results, owing to inadequate preparation. With regard to the humanitarian situation, we note with concern that approximately 3 million people, representing 63 per cent of the population, continue to be in urgent need of protection and humanitarian relief. Additionally, due to violence and conflict, there are approximately 641,300 internally displaced persons in the country. Generally, poverty and youth unemployment remain at very high levels in the country.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“However, due to limited fiscal space and institutional capacities, the process has slowed down, causing concern and panic among the beneficiaries. Members will recall that on 14 September 2021, the Government of the Central African Republic announced the adoption of the electoral calendar for the municipal, regional and senatorial elections. The Government pledged to hold municipal, regional and senatorial elections on 11 September 2022, the first in more than three decades, since 1988. While we applaud that move, we express concern that the country lacks the resources to carry out the critical activities that are required for holding inclusive credible and fair elections, such as voter registration and education.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The situation is affecting the expeditious implementation of the demobilization, disarmament, reintegration and repatriation (DDRR) processes, which was one of the critical recommendations of the third mini-summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The Government has established the necessary political and administrative structures, such as the appointment of a Minister of State for Demobilization, Disarmament, Reintegration and Repatriation and a Minister for Humanitarian Action and National Reconciliation, and has formally designated the executive monitoring committee to monitor the implementation of the agreement. It has also identified approximately 4,205 elements of armed groups, which will benefit from the DDRR programme.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Unfortunately, the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic faces challenges, owing to many interlinked factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Government. The Government’s institutional capacity to expeditiously implement the agreement is hampered by both financial and non-financial challenges. The Government has limited human resources capacities, owing to the negative ramifications of insecurity and political instability in the country. There is also the demotivation of civil servants, including military personnel, owing to the delayed payment of salaries.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Incremental progress in the context of mitigating political and civil tensions, resolving the humanitarian crisis and further preventing human rights violations continued to be observed. We note with satisfaction that, six months into the ceasefire, the Government of President Touadera continues to adhere to the political agreement for peace and reconciliation. His Government also continues to be committed to implementing the joint road map for peace in that country. Furthermore, his Government is inclusive in nature and has established and inaugurated the organizing committee of the republican dialogue framework, comprising the political opposition, armed groups, religious leaders and civil society.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“As members will recall, at the third mini-summit, held in Luanda, the Heads of State and Government of the ICGLR adopted a joint road map for peace in the Central African Republic, in which participants called for an inclusive dialogue in support of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and urged the Government to declare a ceasefire. Furthermore, members will recall that, as a result of the resolutions of the third mini-summit, on 15 October 2021, the President of the Central African Republic, His Excellency Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera, declared a unilateral ceasefire and the cessation of fighting against armed groups, thereby signalling his Government’s commitment to revitalizing the peace process and promoting peaceful dialogue. That generated some momentum in the peace process.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The genesis and political and social economic ramifications of the conflict in the Central African Republic are already well known by the Security Council. Those negative social, economic and political ramifications and spillover effects to the region impelled the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), through His Excellency Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the ICGLR, to take a keen interest in finding a solution to the deterioration of the political and security situation in the Central African Republic. The ICGLR has thus far hosted three mini-summits of Heads of State and Government of the Conference on the political and security situation in the Central African Republic, namely, on 29 January 2021, 20 April 2021 and 16 September 2021.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“Mr. Caholo: At the outset, allow me to congratulate the Russian Federation on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February. I also extend my gratitude to the Russian Federation, through its Permanent Representative, His Excellency Mr. Vassily Nebenzia, and his team for the able leadership exhibited thus far and for inviting me to address the Council. It is always an honour to speak to the Security Council. As per the invitation, I am required to present my perspective on the situation in the Central African Republic. I will therefore provide an update on the major developments in the Central African Republic, in particular political developments and the security and humanitarian situation. I will conclude by providing some recommendations for consideration by the Security Council.”
2022-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8971 (2022) · source
“The experience of the last 15 years has demonstrated that the political, social and economic transformation of the Great Lakes region can be achieved only through enhanced ownership of practical programmes, the involvement of ICGLR member States and reliable diplomatic, financial and technical support by the international community. Sustainability of our efforts depends on the extent to which we have effectively responded to the regional challenges with regionally driven solutions.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“There is a need for continual support to member States to strengthen governance institutions so as to monitor the adherence of member States to constitutionalism, the promotion of the rule of law and respect for human rights. The international community, especially mineral destination countries, should support the due-diligence efforts being implemented in the ICGLR. In conclusion, I would like to restate that the ICGLR Pact in support of peace and stability in the region, set up 15 years ago for the purpose of transforming the region into a conflict-free area enveloped by sustainable peace, security and stability, remains very relevant today.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“First, all stakeholders should help to attract investment in the region by participating and supporting investment for the forthcoming Great Lakes Investment and Trade Conference scheduled for November in Kigali. Secondly, programmes and projects should be designed aimed at creating youth employment. That could be done through the promotion of value addition. I am pleased to inform the Council that the ICGLR member States are resolved to promote mineral value addition through the creation of refineries and smelters within their boundaries. That is happening in Uganda and in Rwanda. We hope that we can introduce the same programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well. That is possible given the enhancement of inter-State cooperation and mutual trust.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“The joint regional infrastructure initiatives in energy, transport corridors and telecommunication are possible areas for consideration. Furthermore, member States should provide knowledge linkages to foster innovation, creativity, skills and the capacity for citizens to benefit from the vast array of natural resources. There is a need to enhance the technical and vocational capacities of youth to provide a ready supply of skilled labour in the real sector. As regards the role that all stakeholders can play to transform the productivity of natural resources in the Great Lakes region in directly contributing to post-conflict recovery, mutually shared socioeconomic development and global prosperity, allow me to propose the following.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“In that framework, specifically the artisanal gold strategy, there are components that aim to enhance the capacities of member States’ customs organizations to strengthen import and export mechanisms and also control the artisanal gold trade at all levels, including the transit and destination countries. Regarding the question of how the region can increase the participation of international financial institutions and the private sector in funding projects and programmes in the mining and extractive sector, we are of the view that the States and Governments of the region should design legal frameworks and policies that aim to create an environment that is conducive to investment. That should be accompanied by the development of regional infrastructure that promotes forward and backward linkages.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“On the particular aspect of how the region and the international community can provide support in strengthening the capacity of key State institutions, particularly the national security and customs structure, to ensure the effective control and management of natural resources, I wish first to reiterate my call for the international community to support the implementation of the ICGLR Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources, an initiative that was adopted by the Heads of State and Government in Lusaka in 2010. The international community must support the enhancement capacities of that programme in implementing countries and those that are actually adhering to the programme.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“The Group focuses on the facilitation of disarmament and the process of repatriating negative forces through an approach involving local communities and civil society and the reinforcement of cross-border cooperation, with a view to generating economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“But more could have been achieved in the Great Lakes region had resources and coordination among stakeholders been enhanced. We encourage the international community to support civil-society organizations involved in the implementation of the action plan of the Contact and Coordination Group on non-military measures to complement the military efforts by countries in the Great Lakes region. As the Council is aware, the mission of the Contact and Coordination Group is to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to identifying and implementing non-military measures in complement to enhancing military action by the ICGLR member States.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“It also calls for comprehensive and effective monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure that targeted communities benefit from the programmes and equally prevent the recurrence of conflict. In addition, it calls for disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement programmes to be linked to a wider and broader national reform to promote national socioeconomic involvement and strengthen the security sector and the promotion of transnational justice. Allow me to mention that the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement programmes, costly as they are, have had positive effects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan, Burundi and the Central African Republic in engaging ex-combatants in productive activities and building social cohesion.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“It should be noted that such programmes focus on the provision of alternative sources of livelihood to ex-combatants. Hence the initiatives depend on reliable funding streams to ensure funding that is both timely and adequate. As the ICGLR, we emphasize that such programmes should be based on a careful assessment of the situation in a member State to identify combatants and types and numbers of weapons as well as areas of return. It also includes the identification of suitable livelihood opportunities, the determination of appropriate vocational training and extension services, and the provision of resettlement and reintegration opportunities and services. That approach calls for high levels of transparency and coordination among stakeholders of the programmes involved.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“On the question of how the region and the international community can ensure sustained means to ensure long-term, sustainable national and regional coordination for disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement programmes, we believe that such initiatives should be nationally owned and an integral component of long- term national development plans and annual budgets. There should be a holistic and systematic approach taken to the management of such programmes. Intensive peace education and economic empowerment for ex- combatants is of paramount importance. However, the international community could provide funding and technical support since national capacities in the Great Lakes region are typically weak given the large numbers of ex-combatants.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“The porosity of our borders has led us to conduct joint verification missions and patrols of the borders. The ICGLR has advanced in that process through the expanded joint verification mechanism and the Great Lakes Judicial Cooperation Network. Those mechanisms need to be supported and strengthened by both member States and the international community. The sharing of best practices in addressing investigation and prosecution challenges is also fundamental.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Peacekeeping missions in the Great Lakes region should be aware of the regional and international mineral due diligence standards and principles that we are striving to put in place. With regard to the role that the countries of the region and the international community can play in strengthening cross-border security and supporting the fight against transborder crime and terrorism, we underscore the need for cross-border cooperation among countries of the region, as a condition to strengthen security and fight crime and terrorism in the Great Lakes region. With the support of the international community, as the ICGLR, we are working towards establishing and operationalizing an early-warning system for the region to share information in real time at all borders.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“However, we should ensure that mining sites are placed under the control of Government institutions, not national security forces. We should also learn from history. One lesson learned is that extending State control by national security forces over high-value resource areas can have unintended consequences in situations where there is a weak chain of command, poor discipline and limited Government oversight. Nevertheless peacekeeping missions should avoid being involved in the mineral trade and benefiting in any way from mining activities. Several accusations against individual members of those peacekeeping missions being involved in and/or facilitating mineral smuggling and trafficking in the Great Lakes region have been recorded.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“We are aware that such an effort was unsustainable in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, largely owing to limited capacity and financial resources, as well as poor cooperation at the local level in enforcing national laws. However, that is an outcome that rebels and militias welcome because it allows them to continue to maintain control over mining sites in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. That situation should not be allowed to continue where revenues to finance conflict are easily generated within the country using resources that would have otherwise benefited the peaceful local people. Peacekeeping missions could conduct joint security operations with national security forces to extend State authority over mining sites by dislodging militia groups.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“The missions equally have a fundamental role to play in reducing the criminal exploitation of natural resources. Peacekeeping missions play a role in contributing to stability, stimulating employment for youth and women, and economic recovery for the countries concerned. We are of the strong view that peacekeeping missions play a role in supporting the enhancement of the technical capacities of national authorities and local security forces in their management of natural resources. Specifically, missions, through direct cooperation with national authorities and security forces, could monitor and inspect mineral consignment at production sites, transportation and trading hubs, and the prevention of child labour and child trafficking.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we have witnessed the removal of Burundi from the agenda of the Security Council and the closure of the mission of the African Union human rights observers and military experts. That shows the serious commitment of the ICGLR to deepen and consolidate democracy in the region. Allow me now to turn to the specific aspects of this briefing. With regard to the specific roles that peacekeeping missions can play as a resource in those countries to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources and disrupt criminal networks, the ICGLR is of the view that missions have a fundamental role to play. We believe that peacekeeping missions have a broad- ranging mandate to keep the peace and help stabilize countries after conflict and to promote democracy and human rights.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source