YouSaid · the spoken record

Empole

lines on the record: 215
first: 2013-10-21
most recent: 2021-12-06
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“In conclusion, allow me to remind the Security Council that the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate is a very important exercise for the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, its sons and daughters, and even the entire Great Lakes region. Through the mandate resolution, thousands of lives can be saved through measures taken within that context and their implementation on the ground. I thank the members of the Security Council for the special attention they continue to give to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to express the gratitude of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the troop-contributing countries for their support, and to pay tribute to the memory of all those who have lost their lives for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“I take this opportunity to reiterate the two requests addressed to the United Nations in general and to the sanctions Committee in particular by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 21 September during the general debate of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly (see A/76/PV.3), first, for the lifting of the requirement, imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 1807 (2008), that the Democratic Republic of the Congo notify the 1533 Committee in advance of all importation of military goods by my country’s Government or any provision of assistance, advice or training related to military activities of the armed forces and security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially since the Government has, as our Head of State has underscored, the constitutional mandate to ensure the security of persons and property throughout the national territory; and secondly, for serious and exemplary sanctions to be imposed on all mafia networks, whether they be in countries of transit or destination, and against multinationals that illegally exploit my country’s minerals and, in exchange, supply the armed groups with weapons and ammunition, thereby perpetuating the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“It will also involve the transfer of capacities, including through training and technical and logistical support to the security forces and the justice system, which will facilitate and accelerate the transfer of tasks. Allow me to welcome once again the report that you, Mr. President, have just presented, in your capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the Committee’s activities.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“On the topic of support for institutions, MONUSCO should support the Government in the implementation of its Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme as a priority action in order to enable the sustainable demobilization and reintegration of combatants from local armed groups and envisage a regional approach to disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration in resolving the issue of foreign armed groups through dialogue with the country of origin and by involving the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region. The Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme is an important component because the dynamics of joint FARDC- MONUSCO and FARDC-UPDF operations will increasingly force armed groups to surrender.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Targeted offensive military operations, whether unilateral or in collaboration with the FARDC, will need to be intensified and extended to all units of the force. Priority should be given to offensive deterrent operations against armed groups. The unarmed approach should be applied where necessary. I will now move on to support for the ongoing state of siege, the use of drones and sharing information gathered with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In order to ensure the success of its mandate to protect civilians, among other things MONUSCO will have to reinforce its effectiveness with a robust and focused posture in areas affected by armed conflict where the threat remains very high and worrisome, particularly the three provinces under siege. It will need to continue to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Intervention Brigade, the quick reaction forces and MONUSCO as a whole, as well as to bolster its geolocation and engagement capabilities adapted to asymmetric warfare and complete the reconfiguration and deployment of troops that have not yet been fully achieved in accordance with the previous mandate, in particular the quick reaction forces.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Bintou Keita, whom I applaud once again, and Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge signed the transition plan (S/2021/807, annex) for the phased departure of MONUSCO on 15 September, which was presented to the Council in October (see S/PV.8873). With regard to MONUSCO’s new mandate, my delegation believes that the two strategic priorities previously entrusted to the force should be maintained, namely, the protection of civilians and support for the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“It produced a reference document for both parties, which serves as a joint strategy and allows for the gradual transfer of responsibility and the orderly and definitive withdrawal of MONUSCO. That gradual withdrawal of the MONUSCO force will take place in parallel with a temporary reinforcement of the police and civilian component, which will support strengthening the sovereign functions of the rule of law and assist the gradual transfer of the Mission’s tasks to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the support of the United Nations country team and the other partners involved. In that regard, it should be noted that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“We must urgently restore peace in the east and steadily bring the Democratic Republic of the Congo back towards the building of a true State based on the rule of law, with an effective Administration capable of better managing and defending its borders and exercising State authority throughout the national territory, in order to better resolve the human rights issue. In the conditions that I just described, in accordance with resolution 2556 (2020), MONUSCO is preparing to leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Security Council to renew the MONUSCO mandate for another year. With regard to the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO, a joint working group of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO was set up.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“The same is true for refugees, who are sometimes victims of suspicion linked to the security situation, particularly those who do not respect the instructions related to their status. Consideration should therefore increasingly be given to encouraging the voluntary return of those who are willing and able to do so in accordance with the relevant international law, as humanitarian assistance should not be an end in itself. Appropriate measures must therefore be taken to definitively resolve the problem of displaced persons and refugees. The human rights situation, particularly in the east of the country, is mainly linked to the situation of armed conflict and military operations there.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Those measures, which are complementary to those already in force, essentially seek to reduce the importation of infected cases, the main source of contamination, and increase the vaccination coverage in the target groups so as to strengthen immunity and reduce the impact of the pandemic in the country. As for the issue of displaced persons and refugees, the Secretary-General’s report estimates that there are approximately 5.7 million displaced persons and about 500,000 refugees. As Council members can see, those numbers are too high and do not allow for the proper monitoring and care of those who are truly displaced and in genuine need of humanitarian assistance. The identification of the displaced persons and their return to their places of origin are security measures that will greatly help the protection of civilians.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“For the Head of State, that momentum should be seized and the significant gains of the state of siege should be built upon to put an end to those negative forces and neutralize the armed terrorist groups that are rampant in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As was just described, the humanitarian situation is mainly dominated by the resurgence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the return of Ebola, as well as the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons. With regard to COVID-19 in particular, and to forestall a possible fourth outbreak and the discovery, a few days ago, of the Omicron variant, the Government adopted new measures given the current evolution of the pandemic in order to ensure the protection of our populations.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“On the subject of the state of siege, it should be said that, in order to optimize its outcomes and effectiveness, the Government dispatched an assessment mission, led by a joint parliamentary-FARDC committee under the supervision of the Minister for Defence and Veterans, for any possible adjustments. With regard to the regional understanding on targeted joint operations of the FARDC and the Uganda People’s Defence Force, it is focusing on the eradication of the Allied Democratic Forces/Madina at-Tauheed wau Mujahedeen terrorists and their affiliates. Indeed, based on intelligence-sharing in June, the two armies moved to the implementation phase on 30 November.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“To that end, pursuant to his constitutional prerogatives, the President of the Republic decreed a state of siege, which to date is still in force. For the same purpose, major joint offensive operations by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda were launched to reinforce those of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in order to fully restore peace, re-establish the authority of the State and protect the population.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“At the end of the conference, the Heads of State and Government committed to positive masculinity approaches to end the scourge of violence against women and girls in Africa. Concerning the security situation, it must be said that it remains under the control of the defence and security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, as the report under consideration emphasizes, the destructive presence of national and foreign armed groups continues to inflict havoc and loss of life among the population of the eastern part of the country. That worrisome situation remains a priority for the President of the Republic, who is determined to continue the fight against all armed groups until they are completely eradicated so as to enable the population of that part of the country to live in peace.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“At the regional level, the Head of State is continuing his contacts with his peers to improve good-neighbourly relations and cooperation in various areas of common interest. In that regard, the signing of economic and security agreements with Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Angola should be noted. With regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s chairmanship of the African Union, the President of the Republic invited his peers, as well as regional and international organizations, to the first conference of Heads of State and Government on the elimination of violence against women and girls, held in hybrid format on Thursday, 25 November, in Kinshasa under the theme “Positive masculinity” and in which several Heads of State and Government took part.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In that regard, following the appointment of the members of the Independent National Electoral Commission on 22 October by the Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the time has come to assess the actual requirements for the holding of good and credible elections within the time frame provided for by law. At the end of that process, the Government could decide on possible needs for assistance from its partners, both bilateral and multilateral. In that context, the President of the Republic held talks on 26 November with the bishops members of the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and exchanged with them proposals to support the electoral process, which everyone wants to be transparent, peaceful and efficient.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“I also welcome the report that you just presented, Mr. President, in your capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the activities of that Committee. Finally, I also welcome Ms. Marie-Madeleine Kalala to this meeting. Allow me to add my delegation’s voice to this discussion to make a few comments on some of the points addressed in the report, mainly on the political, security, humanitarian and human rights situation, as well as on the exit strategy and the renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate. The political situation remains calm. At the national level, as we heard, discussions remain focused on the issue of organizing the 2023 elections.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Mr. Empole (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Republic of the Niger on the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. I also welcome the holding this meeting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Secretary-General António Guterres for his commitment and support to my country’s cause. I welcome his report (S/2021/987) on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). This report was just now presented by his Special Representative and Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Bintou Keita, whom I thank for her sustained efforts to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, on behalf of my Government, I would like to thank all MONUSCO personnel, as well as troop- and police-contributing countries, for their tireless support to bring about peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The second request was to impose harsh and exemplary sanctions on all mafia networks, be they in transit or destination countries, and on multinationals that engage in the illegal exploitation of my country’s mines and provide armed groups with weapons and ammunition, thereby perpetuating the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region. And, if I may, here is my third request. My country would like the Committee to make greater efforts to ensure that discussions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Arab Emirates on the regular trade of gold from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are currently at a standstill, can resume as quickly as possible.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The first request was to lift the measures imposed on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in paragraph 5 of resolution 1807 (2008), concerning advance notification to the Committee of any shipment of arms and related materiel for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or any provision of assistance, advice or training related to the military activities of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo, in particular as the Government is mandated by the Constitution to ensure the safety of people and goods throughout the national territory.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Allow me to commend the briefing by Ambassador Abarry and to assure him of the readiness of my country’s authorities to continue working with the members of the 1533 Committee. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to recall the two requests made of United Nations bodies, in general, and of the 1533 Committee, in particular, by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 21 September during the general debate of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“In addition, to promote and protect human rights during the state of siege in the two provinces concerned, my Government and the army have established disciplinary mechanisms to severely punish soldiers who violate those rights. The humanitarian situation, which was already worrisome in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo with the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons following a spate of armed violence, was exacerbated by the coronavirus disease pandemic and by the volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in May. With regard to the eruption in particular, my delegation would like to thank the international community for the spontaneous outpouring of support for the Congolese people and the efforts of the Government to assist them.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Indeed, the Head of State made a commitment to work for the promotion of the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and combat corruption and impunity. The fight against impunity therefore remains a major priority for the Government. Significant measures have been taken to ensure that flagrant human rights violations do not go unpunished and to support the creation of a transitional justice mechanism. With regard to the fight against corruption in particular, the Head of State established an anti-corruption agency, attached to his Cabinet, with the goal of detecting and discouraging all illegal operations, but also ensuring respect for the proper management of public affairs, without which it is challenging to achieve social well-being.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The Government of my country is preparing for those elections, and a schedule has been drawn up, covering everything that needs to be done and all the conditions that need to be met by that time. In that connection, on 3 July the President of the Republic promulgated the law amending and supplementing the organic law on the organization and functioning of the Independent National Electoral Commission. That law aims to strengthen the independence, neutrality and impartiality of the Commission, as well as to combat all attempts to use it for inappropriate purposes. A process to select the leaders of that institution to support democracy is also under way. The issue of human rights violations and restrictions on democratic space has been at the heart of the President’s efforts since his accession to power.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“It is also vital to ensure that the deployment of the expected units and forces, particularly of quick-reaction forces, be carried out in accordance with resolution 2556 (2020) and within the stipulated time frame. It is also important to strengthen the joint operations planned by the FARDC and MONUSCO, particularly in the provinces under the state of siege, where the security threat remains high, in order to maintain pressure on the rebel armed groups and force them to lay down their arms. It is important to note that, politically, the Democratic Republic of Congo has resolutely set its sights on the organization of democratic, free and transparent national elections to be held in 2023.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Therefore, it is time to unite and mobilize in order to implement that joint transition plan, which requires financial, logistical and technical support. Furthermore, during the transitional period, the Democratic Republic of Congo expects the United Nations and the Security Council to assist and provide all the necessary means to MONUSCO and its Force Intervention Brigade so that it can fulfil its mission and mandate in accordance with resolution 2556 (2020). We would like to stress the need to ensure that the troops deployed on the ground have the necessary means and capabilities, including the necessary training, to meet the requirements of the reality on the ground and to deal with the asymmetrical warfare currently being waged by the armed groups and Islamist terrorist groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“It will therefore be necessary to mobilize the donation of resources. In that regard, the contributions of donors and other partners, notably MONUSCO, the Peacebuilding Commission and the World Bank, inter alia, is very important. As part of the implementation of resolution 2556 (2020) and its recommendations on the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO, a working group has been established between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO. That joint working group, which has been expanded to include other United Nations agencies and civil society, has produced a transition plan (see S/2021/807, annex), which will ultimately allow for the gradual transfer of responsibility and the orderly and definitive withdrawal of MONUSCO by 2024.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“To that end, on 4 July and 7 August, the Head of State signed two ordinances creating the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme and appointing its members. The implementation of the Programme will accelerate the processing of several hundred combatants who surrendered since the declaration of the state of siege and beyond. The new Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme promotes an integrated, community-based approach that harnesses local resources, with the overarching goal of ensuring the stability and security of local communities in order to promote development for all. It is true that certain challenges, in particular with respect to security and financing, will complicate the realization of the programme.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo has also signed several memorandums of understanding with Burundi on politics, diplomacy, security and infrastructure, including on the development of a railway that will connect the city of Kindu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to Gitega, in Burundi. The implementation of the state of siege has led to the voluntary laying down of arms by many combatants and warlords from both national and foreign armed groups, thereby increasing the number of demobilized persons that must be taken care of. That is why there is an urgent need for an operational disarmament, demobilization and reintegration strategy that is adapted to that reality.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“At the regional level, the Head of State is continuing his efforts to effectively normalize relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours and advance both the promotion of peace and security and economic integration in the region. The Democratic Republic of Congo has signed a number of memoranda of understanding, notably with Uganda on tracking down Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces terrorist rebels, on cross-border trade and on the construction of a road through the town of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Similarly, three cooperation agreements were signed with Rwanda on investments, the prevention of tax evasion and gold mining cooperation.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The measures taken under the state of siege continue to be reinforced by my Government, with the support of its bilateral and multilateral partners, in order to maintain the pressure on those negative forces and their accomplices, in particular by increasing the number of troops and the military presence in those provinces and through the resumption of joint military operations by the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO. Given the results obtained to date thanks to my Government’s implementation of that exceptional measure, the state of siege will be lifted only when the circumstances that caused it to be declared have disappeared.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, is relying on both internal solutions and partnerships at the bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as on both military and non-military solutions. In order to strengthen the fight at the national level, eradicate those negative forces once and for all and put an end to that vicious circle of violence, the Head of State took the decision, in accordance with article 85 of my country’s Constitution, to declare a state of siege in two eastern provinces in which the security and terrorist threat level is very high. Thanks to that decision, significant progress has been made in the fight against rebel armed groups and in reducing tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Before that, however, allow me to thank Ambassador Abdou Abarry, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for his briefing on the Committee’s activities. I also welcome the presence of the civil society representative from North Kivu, Ms. Mbangu. As the Council is aware, the major challenge that my country has been facing for just over two decades is related to the security situation, particularly in the east, where a number of rebel armed groups continue to spread terror and desolation among the population, affecting women and children in particular. To put an end to that, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“I welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/2021/807), which has just been presented by his Special Representative and the Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Bintou Keita. I welcome her presence and commend her sustained efforts to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Allow me to add my delegation’s voice to this discussion in order to give my Government’s point of view on the concerns raised in the report and to make several remarks, mainly concerning the security, political and humanitarian situation, as well as human rights issues and MONUSCO’s exit strategy.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Mr. Empole (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): At the outset, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you, Sir, and your brotherly country, the Republic of Kenya, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. At the same time, I welcome your initiative to convene this meeting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, for his commitment to, and support for, my country’s cause. In addition, I extend my thanks to all members of the Security Council for the special attention they have always given to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“They demonstrated that with the 2015 Agreement on Declaration of Principles on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which reflects the commitment of the three countries to respecting the following principles — cooperation, the equitable shared use of the waters of the Nile, security and the peaceful settlement of disputes.””
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“To assist in the current facilitation efforts, the Security Council invited representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan to continue discussions, under the auspices of the African Union and mediation by its Chairperson, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and the Charter of the United Nations. The Security Council, whose primary role in resolving international disputes is indisputable, should support the African Union and assist the facilitator in the quest for peace in that volatile area of the Horn of Africa. “With the minimum political will, the parties can reach an agreement on the GERD.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“The Bureau congratulated him and encouraged him to continue his facilitation efforts. Those efforts, together with the assistance of observers, have led to the drafting of a summary document, which will soon be presented to Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt as the basis for negotiations and for resolving differences. Those differences relate primarily to the filling and operation of the dam. “President Tshisekedi believes that a solution can be found to the crisis concerning the GERD. All parties are ready and willing. However, we must all work to break the wall of mistrust and ensure all parties that their interests will be taken into account, thereby guaranteeing a successful conclusion to the process.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
““During the most recent meeting of the Bureau of the African Union Heads of State and Government on 24 June, the current Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi, gave an account of the consultations he led. He assured the members of the Bureau that discussions with the parties were ongoing with a view to restoring trust among them and finding a consensus on key issues. The Chairperson promised that, once those discussions had ended, he would submit a comprehensive report to the Bureau, which would allow for a more substantive and timely discussion. “In the meantime, he requested that everyone refrain from making statements or taking positions that could jeopardize or complicate the very delicate negotiations process under way to find an African solution.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
““To that end, as the country that holds the chairmanship of the African Union for the period 2021 to 2022, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a series of diplomatic initiatives at the highest level, including organizing in April an in-person ministerial conference in Kinshasa on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and subsequent diplomatic efforts between the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the leaders of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of the Sudan and the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. The consultations with the leaders of those three countries allowed for the sharing of information on the best ways to resume negotiations on an agreement that takes into account the interests of all parties.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, began to tackle the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the principle of African solutions to African problems. “There have been several positive developments to date, especially in the form of the draft agreement put together by the parties with the assistance of African Union experts. The proposals put forward indicate that 90 per cent of the technical problems have already been resolved. It now remains for the parties to settle their outstanding technical and legal differences, including the nature of the agreement to be signed, the dispute-resolution mechanism and waterflow management during periods of drought.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Certain tensions have therefore been observed between those two countries and the Federal Republic of Ethiopia for some years now. “The conflict around the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is not a new issue for the Council, which is considering it today for the second time after an open meeting held on 29 June 2020 (see S/2020/636). “A number of initiatives have been undertaken in attempts to resolve the crisis surrounding the GERD, in particular the tripartite negotiations held under the auspices of the United States of America and the World Bank and the consideration of the issue by the Council on 29 June last year. In the end, the matter was referred back to the African Union which, under the leadership of its Chairperson at the time, His Excellency Mr.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
““The Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is situated on the Blue Nile, approximately 15 kilometres from the Sudanese border. Its principal objective is to produce electricity, with the aim of increasing Ethiopia’s energy supply, accelerating its industrialization and supplying energy to other countries in the region. It will be the largest dam in Africa, 1,800 metres long and155 metres high and with a total volume of 74 billion cubic metres. “However, that enormous project, which seeks to promote regional economic integration, is causing issues for its immediate neighbours, namely the Sudan and Egypt. Their economies and the well-being of their populations depend greatly on the waters of the White Nile, which is situated downstream from the Blue Nile.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
““At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Sir, on your presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. I express the satisfaction of my delegation at seeing France, a country with whom the Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains excellent friendly relations, leading the deliberations of the Security Council. “I also wish to take this opportunity to express to the Council the gratitude of the Government and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the efforts made by the United Nations to preserve our sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to guarantee peace and stability in the country. “I would also like to thank the Council for inviting the presidency of the African Union to take part in this important meeting.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Mr. Empole (Democratic Republic of the Congo) (spoke in French): I have the honour to read out a statement by His Excellency Mr. Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’apala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on behalf of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency Mr. Félix Antoine Tshilombo Tshisekedi. The Deputy Prime Minister was unable to travel to New York due to circumstances beyond his control. Nevertheless, he has asked me to convey his greetings to you, Mr. President, as well as to the members of the Security Council and all other participants in this meeting. Allow me now, without further delay, to read out the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Before ending my statement, on behalf of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I must thank troop- contributing countries for their support and pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the quest for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular MONUSCO Blue Helmets, including those from Malawi, as mentioned earlier. The meeting rose at 11.40 a.m.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to reiterate my Government’s call on the international community and friends and partners of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to work together to eliminate the negative forces that have operated in the eastern and northern parts of our country for the past 20 years. I assure the Council of our President’s determination to restore peace in the east of our country to enable the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue along its steady path towards genuine rule of law. That will be achieved with an effective Administration, capable of better managing and defending its borders and exercising State authority over the entire country.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, in order to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights during the state of siege in the two provinces concerned, the Government and the army have set up disciplinary mechanisms to severely punish soldiers who violate those rights. In the context of the implementation of resolution 2556 (2020) and its recommendations on the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO, a joint working group of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO has been established to develop a transition plan to ensure the gradual, responsible, orderly and definitive withdrawal of MONUSCO. Meanwhile, the MONUSCO offices in Kananga and Tshikapa in Kasai have been closed since 30 May, thereby starting the disengagement process.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source