YouSaid · the spoken record

Keita

lines on the record: 392
first: 2000-01-13
most recent: 2023-12-11
sittings or episodes: 35
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

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the middle of an election period, nine days away from presidential and legislative elections — national and provincial as well as local. It is also calling for an accelerated, orderly and responsible withdrawal of MONUSCO, for which a special report of the Secretary-General and a joint disengagement plan with recommendations have been sent to the Council. The eastern part of the country, in particular the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, is also still facing a security and humanitarian crisis that is extremely difficult for the people living there, in addition to persistent regional tensions. All of those factors must be taken into consideration in order to enable us to redefine our partnership.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the eve of the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). I also welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Zenon Ngay Mukongo, representing the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ms. Sandrine Lusamba, National Coordinator of Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix, representing civil society, as well as the representative of Rwanda. Today we are at a turning point in the relations between the United Nations and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as an important moment for the country itself.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9500 (2023) · source
“MONUSCO has repelled numerous attacks against civilians. The coordination of operations against armed groups has also been strengthened with the entry into service in July of the new Joint Operations and Coordination Centre for MONUSCO and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Bunia. In South Kivu, despite notable progress, pockets of insecurity persist. The security situation in the province continues to require physical protection by MONUSCO for over 2,000 displaced people in Mikenge in Mwenga territory. Political efforts have also been deployed to reduce community tensions on the Ruzizi plain, the Uvira highlands and the Fizi territory.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“The M-23 still con- trols strategic communication points in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, and has even re- occupied previously liberated areas, without fulfilling any of the obligations agreed in the Luanda road map. The M-23 notably blocked MONUSCO missions in Rumangabo, Rutshuru territory, intended to prepare the site identified for its pre-cantonment. I deplore that obstruction and renew my call on the M-23 to lay down their weapons and withdraw without delay from the occupied territories, as well as my call to the signatory States to the Luanda road map to fully support the process. In Ituri, insecurity continues at an alarming level, fuelled mainly by the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO), Zaire and ADF militias. Djugu and Irumu are the main hotbeds of insecurity.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“The crisis created by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) continues to fuel frustration and anger among the population, as well as the tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. In North Kivu, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has continued to deter attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beni, Eringeti and Bwana Sura. In the southern area of the province, the ceasefire between the Congolese armed forces and the M-23 has been generally respected, but the fight- ing between the M-23 and armed groups allied with the Government has intensified.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“First of all, allow me to express my thanks to the Security Council for this opportunity to present the report (S/2023/691) of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I welcome the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Permanent Representative of Rwanda and Ms. Anny Modi, Executive Director and co-founder of AFIA MAMA. Since my previous briefing (see S/PV.9298), insecurity has continued to permeate the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The situation remains volatile and still requires continued efforts to protect civilians.”
2023-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9427 (2023) · source
“I note that it was quickly followed by a visit from the African Union Peace and Security Council, demonstrating the solidarity and commitment of the region. I also welcome the Pope’s visit to Kinshasa from 31 January to 3 February, which brought messages of peace and reconciliation in these difficult times for the country. Finally, my thanks once again go to all the troop- and police-contributing countries and their personnel, and to the national and international civilian staff of the Mission. I commend their continuous efforts in support of the national and provincial authorities and the defence and security forces in the implementation of our mandate in a particularly difficult context.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“MONUSCO supported the deployment of 174 police officers to enable the successful handover of Bendera camp to the Congolese National Police in February. However, a stronger presence of Congolese security forces is required to avoid protection gaps. While United Nations agencies have mobilized resources to consolidate peace through joint projects, Government-led development and reconciliation efforts are still badly needed to sustain peace and stability. (spoke in French) In conclusion, I would like to thank the Council for its continued support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and for its visit from 9 to 13 March, which demonstrated United Nations solidarity and mobilization in the face of the security, electoral and structural challenges in the country.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“Similarly, the Demobilization, Disarmament, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme cannot succeed without security-sector reform. I urge the new Government to invest in the operationalization of those processes, without which there can be no progress in stabilizing eastern Congo. Successful security-sector reform is also necessary to enable MONUSCO’s exit strategy and the transition to a new partnership with the United Nations. It will enable the deployment of the security forces and adequate financial resources required to re-establish State authority and swiftly implement development programmes, as well as to uphold human rights and foster community reconciliation. The Mission’s departure from Tanganyika illustrates what can be achieved with the necessary resolve.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“The Demobilization, Disarmament, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme is the flagship DDR initiative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO is mandated to support it as a priority. While the Mission is assisting the development of screening and vetting mechanisms for ex-combatants, I encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to remain firm in banning amnesty and army reintegration for those responsible for serious human rights violations. That will be essential to restore trust between the populations and State institutions. Greater complementarity must be promoted between the Programme and the national transitional justice process, with national consultations under way.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I reiterate my appeal to all Congolese stakeholders to work together to ensure a peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive electoral process in strict compliance with the Constitution and electoral law. I reiterate the Mission’s readiness, through its mandate to use its good offices, to support them in that regard. (spoke in English) On 24 March, President Tshisekedi Tshilombo reshuffled his Government. I wish his new Administration success in implementing its programme. In addition to supporting the protection of civilians, MONUSCO remains committed to supporting the Government’s disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and security-sector reform efforts.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“MONUSCO is also supporting the inclusiveness and proper conduct of the electoral process through engagements with prospective candidates and civil society. I welcome the efforts of the Electoral Commission, which is endeavouring to address the operational challenges of voter registration by extending registration periods, imposing sanctions to deter malpractice on the part of its agents and denouncing hate speech. However, the electoral process is still marked by a worrying lack of trust between the main stakeholders in civil society and the opposition, and has even led to a call for a boycott of the voter registration by part of the opposition.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I commend the dedication of the Congolese authorities and the Independent National Electoral Commission in their determination to meet the deadlines in the face of logistical challenges, and especially in the face of insecurity. In eastern Congo, the violence, clashes and population displacements, and the problem of the areas under the control of the M-23, are serious obstacles to the task of registering voters. In the west of the country, intercommunal violence in Mai-Ndombe province, which is still going on, is also a hindrance to the process. In the light of those challenges and in line with its mandate, MONUSCO, in partnership with United Nations agencies, is supporting the electoral process and has responded by transporting 126 tons of electoral material for the Electoral Commission to North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“While the M-23 has withdrawn from some of its positions, it is still in control of large portions of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories, in violation of the Luanda communiqué. I am once again calling on it to fully comply with the Luanda communiqué. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected by all in the region. While insecurity spreads, the tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda have continued to increase, resulting in several cross-border incidents. Those confrontations pose a severe risk of regional escalation. (spoke in French) In a context of insecurity and humanitarian crisis, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing for general elections, scheduled for 20 December.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I call on the Council to lend its full weight to those efforts by encouraging the parties to abide by their commitments and ensuring that recalcitrant actors are held to account. I commend former President Kenyatta, as facilitator, for launching the preparations for the fourth stage of the Nairobi process, and Angola’s President Lourenço, as Chair of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region, mandated by the African Union, for deciding to deploy an Angolan contingent to support the ad hoc verification mechanism and the M-23 cantonment. Tomorrow, 30 March, is the last day granted by the regional initiatives for the M-23 to withdraw to the vicinity of Mount Sabinyo, at the border with Rwanda and Uganda. The FARDC and the Angolan army have jointly identified locations for their cantonment.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our forces and once again express my condolences following the death of a South African Blue Helmet during the attack on a MONUSCO helicopter near Goma in February. Military operations alone will not provide stability in eastern Congo. I commend the regional efforts under way, such as the third phase of Nairobi process consultations, the Luanda process mini-summits and the successive holding of summit meetings by the East African Community and the African Union Peace and Security Council. Through the stewardship of regional bodies, the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes are being tailored to foster efforts to find sustainable solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“In South Kivu, the Mission provided dedicated protection to the displaced populations in Bijombo and Mikenge. I would like to stress that the effectiveness of MONUSCO’s protection depends to a large extent on close and transparent collaboration with the FARDC and the foreign forces that are deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, either bilaterally or under the East African Community regional force, in order to ensure optimal planning and coordination, mutual safety and human rights protection. The year 2022 was one of the deadliest on record for MONUSCO peacekeepers. MONUSCO is operating in an increasingly complex, volatile and dangerous environment. Far too many of our United Nations peacekeepers are paying the ultimate price.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“In Ituri, armed groups of CODECO, the ADF and the Zaire have taken advantage of the FARDC’s shift in focus towards Masisi and Rutshuru against the M-23. MONUSCO set up static combat units in Kambala and Bokuku to address the rising insecurity in Djugu territory, facilitate the movements of displaced people and secure humanitarian corridors. I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce its military and police deployments in Ituri and pursue efforts to address the grave threat to civilians posed by the armed groups operating in the province. The Mission also responded quickly to improvised explosive device terrorist attacks by the ADF in Beni territory by providing demining support and through the medical evacuation of injured civilians.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“Our efforts are focused on supporting the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the execution of its core responsibility for the protection of civilians, as well as for the disarmament and demobilization of armed groups and the implementation of security sector reform. With regard to the protection of civilians, MONUSCO has remained firmly engaged with the Congolese armed forces in the discharge of its key strategic priority of protecting civilians through a wide range of actions, including joint patrols, fire support, information-sharing, intelligence-gathering and logistical support. Our force has adopted an agile posture, allowing for the quick redeployment of troops in response to early-warning alerts and outbreaks of violence.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“With regard to the issue of displaced persons, I would like to focus on the particularly dangerous situation in which women find themselves. To ensure protection that is tailored to their needs, funding for the 2023 national plan for the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse is essential. More than $2 million is required to support those activities, especially in the areas affected by the M-23 crisis. Among the initiatives currently under way, I welcome the creation of a victim support fund and the provision of psychological assistance to women by the World Health Organization. (spoke in English) In response to those immense security and humanitarian challenges, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is working tirelessly in hostile environments to fulfil its mandate.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“The humanitarian crisis remains one of the most neglected in the world. The displaced persons whom I visited live in extremely dangerous conditions. I also take this opportunity to call for the mobilization of the necessary resources for the implementation of the 2023 humanitarian response plan, which requires $2.25 billion. I condemn the persistent obstacles to humanitarian access, such as the attack on a United Nations Humanitarian Air Service helicopter in February, which forced the World Food Programme to temporarily suspend its flights in conflict zones. I call upon all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate humanitarian access to vulnerable people, wherever they are located.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“An intensification of the conflict with the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) and the persistent activity of other armed groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Zaire and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO), to name only a few, continue to inflict unbearable suffering on civilians and exacerbate the increasingly tragic humanitarian situation. In North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, hundreds of thousands of people have fled the abuses of armed groups and the clashes between M-23 and the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and between CODECO and the Zaire. In North Kivu in particular, clashes between the M-23 and the FARDC have forced 900,000 people to flee their homes. The already considerable humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to increase.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank members for the opportunity to present the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/208) on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I also welcome the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda and the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Burundi to today’s meeting. Since my previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.9215), there has again been a marked deterioration in the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2023-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9298 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I would again like to thank all troop- and police-contributing countries and their personnel, as well as national and international civilian personnel, for their invaluable support at this difficult time for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We remain fully mobilized through our assistance to the authorities and the defence and security forces and through our support to the peace and electoral processes and to the Government for a responsible and sustainable transition.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“Regrettably, the Mission continues to operate in the east of the country in a hostile environment fuelled by feelings of disappointment, frustration and despair among the people, owing to the deteriorating security situation. We have made numerous efforts to rebuild trust with them, especially young people, and with the Congolese authorities, and we will continue to do so. We will also continue to work with the authorities to put in place the conditions needed to implement the mandate in the spirit and letter of the status of forces agreement and ensure the safety of the Mission’s personnel and facilities.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“During my meetings on 7 December with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is among us today, I reiterated the United Nations readiness to step up our cooperation in a spirit of partnership on the revision of the joint transition plan in order to define concrete actions for the effective implementation of priority benchmarks related to the creation of minimum security conditions for the responsible and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO. We also agreed that sustained cooperation with State institutions and mutual trust are critical to ensuring that the Congolese authorities and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes can do what is necessary to build peace after the Mission’s departure.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“Since the withdrawal of MONUSCO, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes have developed a transition plan for the provinces with the Congolese authorities in defining the gains to be preserved. The plan includes the gradual deployment of Congolese National Police officers to ensure the continuity of security work, particularly in the context of the upcoming closure of the MONUSCO base in Bendera, in Tanganyika province. The transition in Tanganyika therefore demonstrates the benefits of good coordination between the Congolese authorities and MONUSCO. In that regard, I welcome the Government’s initiative of contacting the Mission on 15 November to begin a reassessment of the transition plan.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“The attack on our operational base in Minembwe, South Kivu, by members of the Twirwaneho armed group on 30 September, resulting in the death of a Blue Helmet, attests to that. I condemn that attack, the perpetrators of which must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and I once again express my condolences to the decedent’s family and the Government. MONUSCO remains fully committed to helping the Congolese Government and people create the conditions for its responsible and sustainable withdrawal from South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri provinces where it remains deployed. The example of Tanganyika province provides valuable lessons for such a responsible departure.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I reiterate the Mission’s readiness to leverage the capabilities at its disposal in support of the regional peace initiatives under way, in line with its mandate and in compliance with the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations support to non-United Nations security forces. I look forward to engaging further with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and regional partners to define the Mission’s role in efforts to translate the decisions taken in the framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes into reality on the ground. (spoke in French) The deteriorating security situation in the country is also increasingly putting MONUSCO’s operations at risk.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I welcome the recent meeting among the leadership of the FARDC, the East African regional force and the MONUSCO force from 29 to 30 November, held in Goma, which was a major step forward towards the establishment of an effective framework for coordination and information-sharing, including with the Burundian and Ugandan forces already deployed in South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has formally requested MONUSCO’s active involvement in the implementation of the Luanda mini- summit communiqué. The East African Community regional force is also counting on the Mission’s assistance to enable its full and timely deployment.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I echo former President Kenyatta’s call on all other armed groups to lay down their weapons and adhere to the National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reinsertion and Stabilization. I call on all partners to support the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to operationalize the programme. Meanwhile, the East African Community regional force has continued to deploy in support of the political processes.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“The 23 November mini-summit held in Luanda agreed on measures to address the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including a timetable for the implementation of priority actions to achieve the cessation of hostilities, the immediate withdrawal of the M-23 from occupied areas and the coordination of efforts under the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The communiqué also envisions an operational role for MONUSCO, in coordination with the East African Community regional force and the ad hoc verification mechanism. It is imperative that the outcomes of those initiatives be faithfully implemented by all parties. First and foremost, the M-23 must cease all hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas in accordance with the road map set out in the final communiqué of the Luanda mini-summit.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“Regional leaders and national stakeholders, including representatives of 50 armed groups and civil society delegations, worked day and night to craft durable solutions to the cycle of conflict that has caused much suffering in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am particularly encouraged by the central role in those consultations played by Congolese women, who constituted more than 40 per cent of the civil society delegations, including 10 survivors of sexual violence. It is also noteworthy that the three provincial coordinators of the National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reinsertion and Stabilization and the programme’s deputy national coordinator also actively participated in the deliberations.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“Since April, the Mission has provided political, technical, and logistical support to the joint Democratic Republic of the Congo-Kenya secretariat for the holding of consultations between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Congolese armed groups, including the third round of consultations, which resumed on 28 November in Nairobi and ended on 6 December. The Mission facilitated the transport of more than 180 delegates from remote locations in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Maniema and Tanganyika to enable them to participate in the talks and deployed 14 staff members to Nairobi to help manage deliberations.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I welcome the vigorous diplomatic efforts undertaken by the African Union mediator and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, President João Lourenço, to support the implementation of the Luanda road map. I also commend the East African Community Facilitator, former President Kenyatta of Kenya, for the progress made in the context of the Nairobi process, with the support of the Chair of the East African Community, President Ndayishimiye of Burundi.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“An estimated additional 370,000 people have been uprooted and forced from their homes in the latest round of hostilities involving the M-23. The outbreak of intercommunal violence in the western provinces of Mai-Ndombe and Kwilu has also led to the displacement of more than 50,000 people, mostly women and children. In that dangerous environment, and despite persistent access constraints, particularly in areas under the control of the M-23 and the ADF, humanitarian actors continue to deliver indispensable aid and life-saving services. I therefore urge partners to actively continue supporting the humanitarian response plan, as well as the specific North Kivu response plan. Encouragingly, regional initiatives have intensified in response to the increasing insecurity and regional tensions.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“The team also confirmed the destruction of four schools and the occupation of two others by M-23 combatants. I call on the Council to condemn those crimes with the utmost severity. The Council must also demand the immediate release of the survivors who were prevented from leaving the area by the M-23. Those responsible for those and other atrocities against the civilian population must be prosecuted, nationally or internationally. The M-23’s offensives have further exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The Democratic Republic of the Congo already plays host to the highest number of internally displaced persons anywhere on the African continent, owing, in large part, to the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo and the Zaire, Twirwaneho and Mayi-Mayi groups.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“In addition, the Mission has set up additional community- alert networks in areas vulnerable to M-23 attacks in Rutshuru and Masisi territories. The reports of atrocities and other crimes committed by the M-23 and other armed groups are gravely concerning. The preliminary findings of the United Nations fact-finding team established in response to allegations of human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by M-23 combatants in Kishishe and Bambo, Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, has confirmed that at least 131 civilians — 102 men, 17 women and 12 children — were either shot dead or killed by bladed weapons by M-23 fighters. During the same period, M-23 combatants raped at least 22 women, one of whom was killed after the rape.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“Over the past weeks, the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has deteriorated dramatically. Since 20 October, the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) has resumed hostilities and extended its control over Rutshuru territory, in North Kivu. MONUSCO has continued to provide operational, logistical and tactical support both to the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police in their efforts to confront armed groups in eastern Congo, most notably the M-23. Robust patrols, including jointly with the FARDC and the Congolese National Police, have been conducted in and around Goma to ensure the protection of civilians and deter the M-23 from advancing further towards the city.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I would therefore like to reiterate the readiness of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), through its good offices, to promote a constructive dialogue among stakeholders in order to strengthen a political environment conducive to a transparent, inclusive and peaceful electoral process, which would see the active but non-violent participation of all political actors, as well as that of women and young people. (spoke in English) While the 2023 elections could make a significant contribution to the strengthening of democracy and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most significant challenges they face today is insecurity.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“It is essential to finance the reforms necessary for the gradual improvement of the well-being of the Congolese people, such as to the security sector. With that ambitious budget, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also giving itself the necessary means to prepare for the 2023 electoral deadlines. In the same way, we must welcome the publication of the electoral calendar, which sets the presidential and legislative elections for 20 December 2023 and details the provisions and measures taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission to start voter registration on 24 December. While it was well received as a whole, the publication of the electoral calendar was challenged by some opposition and civil society actors, in a context of tension and growing political polarization, sometimes leading to very violent speeches.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“I thank the Security Council for giving me the opportunity today to present the report the Secretary-General on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (S/2022/892). I welcome the presence of His Excellency Mr. Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’apala, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Mr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Secretary General of the East African Community; and Ms. Rebecca Kabuo, of Lutte pour le changement. The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to show resilience despite the immense challenges the country faces; its encouraging macroeconomic performance attests to that. On 3 December, the National Assembly adopted the 2023 finance bill, which amounts to $15.8 billion, a sharp increase from the $10.7 billion in 2022. That budgetary increase brings hope.”
2022-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9215 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to thank all the troop- and police-contributing countries and their personnel for their tireless support to the Mission over the challenging weeks it has endured, as well as all national and international civilian personnel. All of us remain committed to implementing the mandate conferred upon us by the Council, in close collaboration and partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the relevant agencies, funds and programmes, and other regional and international partners of the country, so that the Mission’s definitive withdrawal from the remaining three provinces in which it is deployed can be carried out in a peaceful, responsible and lasting manner.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I condemn in the strongest terms any incitements to hatred, hostility and violence. Lastly, I welcome the efforts of the Congolese authorities, members of civil society and those with influence in the communities to promote calm and restraint in an extremely challenging security environment, and I implore them to continue to focus on easing tensions in order to enable MONUSCO’s full and unimpeded resumption of its operations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following those incidents, President Tshisekedi Tshilombo has instructed his Government to re-evaluate the transition plan in order to step up the pace of MONUSCO’s withdrawal. We are ready and willing to work closely with the Government to that end.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I encourage the Democratic Republic of the Congo to continue those efforts and strengthen its legal arsenal to prevent a deterioration of the situation, including through the adoption of a draft law to combat tribalism, racism and xenophobia that has been submitted to Parliament. As the Council is aware, in the wake of the M-23’s resurgence in recent months, the crisis of confidence already plaguing the Mission and the Congolese people in the east of the country has worsened. That situation has provided fertile ground for disinformation about and stigmatization of MONUSCO, which has led to violent new protests and serious incidents that have claimed the lives of dozens of protesters and four Mission employees. I want to once again reiterate my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of that violence, which I deeply deplore.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I also want to underscore the importance of ensuring that the Programme contributes to reconciliation through close coordination with the transitional justice process. I applaud the progress made by the Government in that regard, including through the Ministry of Human Rights’ launch of national public consultations in six provinces. I would also like to welcome President Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s denunciation of tribalism and hate speech in his address at the general debate of the General Assembly (see A/77/PV.5), which bolsters the measures already taken by the Government to ease intercommunal tensions, particularly in the eastern areas of the country.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“The people enduring violence perpetrated by armed groups have enormous expectations for the Programme, and we must therefore mobilize the operational means and resources necessary to ensure that the provincial authorities have the capacities they need to implement it. I would like to point out here that the Mission has been providing ongoing support to the Programme since its establishment. In June $14 million was disbursed from the Stabilization Coherence Fund to support its launch. In the coming months, I encourage financial partners to provide active support to the implementation of the provincial operational plans that are now being developed, so as to take swift advantage of the current disarmament opportunities in Ituri, North and South Kivu and Tanganyika.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“On 31 August, the African Union Peace and Security Council decided to establish a strategic support cell to support the EAC regional force, and to explore and mobilize funding to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the possible use of the African Union Peace Fund. (spoke in French) Those regional initiatives and the deployment of troops from EAC countries must go hand in hand with non-military measures, without which no lasting peace is possible. The Nairobi process, in particular, is inextricably linked to the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“The Commission also urged Angola to fast-track the establishment of the proposed ad hoc verification mechanism to monitor incidents at the border between the two countries. I encourage them to pursue the implementation of the road map for the sake of their populations and the peace and stability of the region. The discussions in support of the Nairobi and Luanda processes between President Tshisekedi Tshilombo and President Kagame, facilitated by President Macron of France on the margins of the general debate of the General Assembly, constitute another positive step in the right direction. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Southern African Development Community, both currently chaired by President Tshisekedi Tshilombo, have also expressed support for the ongoing regional initiatives.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I welcome the adoption on 6 July of the Luanda road map by President Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Kagame of Rwanda, through the mediation of President João Lourenço of Angola, current Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, who has been mandated by the African Union to de-escalate tensions between the two countries. I also welcome the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda’s reactivation of their Joint Permanent Commission, which at its last meeting called for the rapid deployment of the East African regional force, a cessation of hostilities by the M-23 and the disarmament of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda and their splinter groups.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source