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

“On 8 September, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the East African Community secretariat signed a status of forces agreement for its regional force to be deployed in the eastern part of the country for an initial period of six months. As I speak, a contingent of the Burundian armed forces has already deployed in South Kivu, while Operation Shujaa, the joint operation against the ADF between the FARDC and the Uganda People’s Defence Force, is continuing in North Kivu and Ituri. I want to stress the vital importance of effective coordination between MONUSCO and all the forces deployed on Congolese territory in order to enable the Mission to fully carry out its mandate for the protection of civilians.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“The Mission continues to prioritize the allocation of resources to support the implementation of its protection-of-civilians mandate and has adopted a new lay-down to compensate for the redeployment of units to contain the M-23 in the Rutshuru territory. In addition to the efforts of MONUSCO and the national security forces, regional initiatives are also under way to support the stabilization of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the easing of regional tensions fuelled by the M-23’s resurgence. Those regional initiatives require consistent international support. On 22 July, the Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) appointed the then-President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, as Facilitator of the Nairobi process and directed that a special fund be established for military operations.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“The force has continued to engage with military governors and operational commanders and has maintained a robust posture, while providing operational, logistical and tactical support to both the FARDC and the Congolese National Police in the fight against all armed groups. The Mission is working with the FARDC to conduct joint offensive operations in areas affected by the ADF and CODECO, in compliance with the United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy. Those efforts are supported by information-sharing through the Centre de Coordination des Opérations, which was set up in Goma in November 2021.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I applaud the commitment of the humanitarian community to stay and deliver and scale up its operations. Its ability to do so will require long- term engagement with communities and other key actors, as well as predictable funding. To date, the 2022 humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo has received 37 per cent of the $1.88 billion required. I therefore call on donors to continue their support, while thanking them for the life-saving contributions already provided. MONUSCO remains fully mobilized to address the persistent insecurity created by the criminal activities of armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“That insecurity fuels human rights violations and has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. An estimated 27 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, with many having protection needs. A clear indicator of the deteriorating situation is the surge in internal displacement since January 2022, which has brought the total number of displaced people to 5.5 million — the largest caseload in Africa. In that context, I strongly condemn attacks against humanitarian workers, which reached their highest level since the beginning of the year in the month of July, with 34 security incidents recorded. I call on the Congolese authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel and installations and to provide security for the delivery of life-saving assistance.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“That instrument is essential to allow the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) to grow in strength and to carry out security sector reforms, both of which are fundamental to meeting the country’s security challenges. (spoke in English) My call to empower the FARDC stems from the persistent security challenges in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armed groups continue to pose a significant threat and commit violence against civilians. Most abuses are being perpetrated by the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO), the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) in Ituri and North Kivu, while Mayi-Mayi groups and other militias have intensified attacks on civilians in South Kivu.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“That is the result of good macroeconomic performance and record tax collections, marking significant progress in financial governance, which has been supported by efforts in the area of accountability, notably through the operationalization of the Court of Audit. The adoption of the budget should make it possible to accelerate the implementation of the development programme for the 145 territories and to provide the Independent National Electoral Commission with the necessary means to conduct the electoral process. I would also like to emphasize the strategic nature of the 2022-2025 military programming law, estimated at $1 billion per year, which Parliament must examine.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“In that regard, I reiterate the readiness of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and its good offices to facilitate dialogue and ensure a transparent, inclusive and peaceful process held within the constitutional time frame, while supporting the active participation of women and young people at every stage. The ordinary parliamentary session that opened on 15 September, dedicated to the 2023 budget, offers an opportunity to address the socioeconomic challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Prime Minister tabled the 2023 budget bill with the National Assembly. The draft budget of $14.6 billion represents an increase of approximately 32 per cent over the 2022 budget.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“The promulgation of the revised electoral law on 29 June and the development of its implementation measures by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the establishment of thematic consultation frameworks with women, young people, political parties and civil society, and the preparations for the launch of voter registration next December are all important steps. I welcome the efforts of the Government, the Parliament and the Independent National Electoral Commission to establish the legal framework and conditions for the proper conduct of the elections. However, major challenges remain — notably in relation to reaching a broad consensus on the various aspects of the electoral process.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to take the floor today to present the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2022/709). I welcome the presence of Mr. Georges Nzongola- Ntalaja, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations, and Mr. Emery Mudinga, a Congolese civil society representative who joins us from Bukavu. Since the previous report (S/2022/503), significant progress has been made in the preparations for the general elections to be held by December 2023.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9142 (2022) · source
““With that in mind, I would therefore ask each member of the Security Council to take my voice, amplify it and protect it as far as possible so that the children of the world, of Africa, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, of Kivu and of Bunagana enjoy their rights as human beings and as children and that they reclaim their dignity in a climate of prosperity and stability.””
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“(spoke in French) Zawede, an 11-year-old girl from Kivu in the fifth grade, wrote a slam poem for the children of her country that I was asked to transmit to the Council. It is long, so I will read only the end: “This slam is both an expression of the love and hope that I have for my country, but also of the sharp pain, disappointment and feelings of abandonment caused by the grown-ups who should be actively involved in the peacekeeping process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo — a place that has shed its blood, sweat and tears for a quarter of a century.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“(spoke in English) In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude for the continued support of the Security Council and of troop- and police-contributing countries to MONUSCO, particularly at a time when the Mission is facing challenges to the implementation of its mandate. I salute the bravery and courage of the women and men serving under the United Nations flag and the commitment of their contributing countries under these very trying circumstances. MONUSCO remains determined to protect civilians and help tackle the drivers of conflict and violence. A unity of purpose within the Council and among troop- and police-contributing countries remains essential for the Mission to deliver on its core mandated responsibilities.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“The United Nations country team will continue to support the Government’s efforts to preserve and consolidate the progress made with MONUSCO’s support. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the Government’s commitment, through the joint working group, to monitoring the implementation of the joint transition plan endorsed by the Council in December. In that regard, it is essential that the Government continue with the reforms envisaged in its action plan, particularly in the security sector, so that State institutions are able to respond to the multiple challenges facing the country.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I also encourage the Congolese authorities to preserve the democratic space and ensure full respect for fundamental freedoms, particularly in view of the continuing state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Meanwhile, MONUSCO is preparing to take a major step in adjusting its presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the final closure tomorrow of its offices in Kalemie, in Tanganyika province. I applaud the efforts of the Congolese authorities to strengthen the presence and capacity of State institutions in the province. The recent deployment of 80 police officers in areas where security challenges persist is tangible evidence of the commitment of the Congolese authorities to fulfilling their responsibilities to the population in areas where the United Nations presence will be changing.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“In June, the National Assembly and the Senate enacted revisions to the electoral law, which should increase the transparency of the electoral process and promote the participation of women as candidates. However, the absence of the opposition from the parliamentary debate on revisions to the electoral law demonstrates that additional efforts are needed to create the conditions for an inclusive, transparent and peaceful electoral process. I reaffirm my determination to use my good offices in favour of dialogue between the country’s various political forces. I want to take this opportunity to call on the nation’s political actors and active forces to demonstrate responsibility by working to create a peaceful political climate.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I am also encouraged by the progress made by the operational cell of the Contact and Coordination Group established under the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region to address the threat posed by foreign armed groups through non-military means. In the past two decades, it is worth recalling that the implementation of non-military measures, including disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement, has already contributed to the repatriation of a majority of the foreign armed groups from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to their countries of origin. (spoke in French) The national political situation has also undergone significant changes since I last briefed the Council.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“Several local armed groups have expressed their willingness to lay down their weapons and enter the national programme, whose timely and effective implementation is critical to paving the way for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the meantime, and as requested by the joint secretariat of the Nairobi process, MONUSCO is working very closely with the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to devise transitional measures for the initial phases of disarmament pending the full operationalization of the programme to ensure that the momentum generated by the consultations in Nairobi with armed groups is not lost.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“In the meantime, it is imperative that both countries continue to make full use of existing subregional mechanisms such as the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism to address their mutual grievances on the basis of established facts. I welcomed the holding on 20 June in Nairobi of the Third Conclave, during which East African Heads of States confirmed their commitment to finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through both political and military tracks. I am encouraged by the commitment of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursuing consultations with local armed groups and encouraging them to join the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“Should the M-23 continue its well-coordinated attacks on FARDC and MONUSCO with increasing conventional capabilities, the Mission may find itself dealing with a threat that goes beyond its current capacities. The ongoing M-23 and armed-group activities in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo threaten to reverse the hard-won progress that has been made in bringing security and stability to the country and the region. I therefore urge the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to seize the opportunity of the upcoming summit that President João Lourenço will be hosting in Luanda to resolve their differences through dialogue.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I am greatly encouraged by the dozens of appeals for calm and the condemnations of incitement to violence that have been expressed by Congolese officials, politicians and civil-society leaders. I am also deeply moved by the successful and peaceful return of displaced Banyamulenge families to their Rurambo home in South Kivu, thanks to the courageous determination and leadership of the local Fuliro chief. That act of courage and intercommunal Congolese fraternity and solidarity should be highlighted and commended. In that highly charged context, it is incumbent on the Security Council to provide its full support to the region’s efforts to defuse the current diplomatic and security tensions among neighbouring States and put an end to the scourge of armed groups.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“Rising regional tensions have coincided with a deeply worrisome increase in hate speech and incitement to violence, particularly targeting Congolese Rwandophone populations. Between May and June, at least eight cases of hate speech that meet the Rabat threshold and that specifically targeted Rwandophones have been documented, with at least three coming from the Congolese military and police authorities. The United Nations has been clear in its condemnation of those reprehensible attempts to fuel intercommunal tensions. I welcome the steps taken by the Congolese authorities to publicly condemn such inflammatory speeches and bring to justice all who engage in such reckless behaviour and related acts of violence.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“As the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) have redeployed forces to the Petit Nord to respond to the threat posed by the M-23, and as MONUSCO has been required to enact a similar shift of its military component, other armed groups have sought to take advantage of the resulting security vacuum. Increased attacks by the ADF in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, as well as attacks and reprisals by CODECO and Zaire forces, have taken a heavy toll on the civilian population, with more than 150 civilians killed between 28 May and 17 June. In that context, the humanitarian situation across the eastern provinces has deteriorated and the overall number of people displaced this year has risen to some 700,000.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“However, it is vital that the Council redouble its efforts to encourage a rapid de-escalation of the situation and the unconditional disarmament of the M-23. (spoke in English) The resurgence of the M-23 has had broad repercussions for security, human rights and the humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and for regional dynamics. The humanitarian country team has developed a response plan for the M-23 crisis and the Humanitarian Coordinator has allocated $5 million from the humanitarian fund to jump-start the response. A Central Emergency Response Fund rapid response request is currently being developed for new needs in Ituri and North Kivu as a result of the current crisis.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“It has access to increasingly sophisticated firepower and equipment, including long-range mortar and machine-gun capabilities, as well as precision anti-aircraft weapons. The threat that this poses to the population and the peacekeepers, who have a mandate to protect the people, is obvious. At this point I would like to pay tribute to the nine Blue Helmets who have lost their lives — eight of them, as I informed the Council, on 29 March, in a helicopter crash caused by a hostile operation in an area controlled by the M-23, and one on 5 April, in an offensive operation against CODECO in Ituri. I would like to reiterate my firm condemnation of the attacks perpetrated by the M-23 and at the same time emphasize MONUSCO’s determination to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the Council.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I am particularly concerned about the interruptions to children’s education that the situation has created, and which are just one example of how the resurgence of the M-23 has disrupted the daily lives of a civilian population that was already suffering from persistent insecurity and last year’s eruption of Mount Nyiragongo. In that context, MONUSCO’s robust and proactive response, in accordance with its mandate and in strict compliance with the human rights due-diligence policy, has prevented the M-23 from threatening the city of Goma and other places along Route Nationale 2. However, following east-west coordinated attacks, the M-23 has occupied the town of Bunagana, an important border-crossing point with Uganda. In the most recent clashes, the M-23 has behaved more and more like a conventional army rather than an armed group.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“The escalation of M-23 attacks and the resulting regional tensions have unfortunately undermined the positive momentum created over the past few years between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Since April, the M-23 has launched several offensives in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, and in May and June there were coordinated M-23 attacks along several lines in Rutshuru. They have had a major impact on the civilian population, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 civilians, including six children, while more than 170,000 people have been displaced. While some have found refuge thanks to the hospitality of host families, the community shelters built by humanitarian partners have become overcrowded, as have schools, stadiums and the other community spaces in which displaced people have found shelter.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I thank the Security Council for another opportunity to provide members with an update on developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as highlighted in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/503). Since my previous briefing to the Security Council, in March (see S/PV.9007), the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has unfortunately greatly deteriorated, owing in particular to a surge in attacks by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) on the civilian population, national security forces and the Blue Helmets of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), as well as continued attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO) and other armed groups in Ituri and North Kivu.”
2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the troop- and police-contributing countries for their vital support enabling the implementation of the mandate, despite the challenges imposed by the coronavirus disease pandemic. As multiple global challenges requiring the attention of Member States emerge, I urge the international community to continue supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo in achieving long-term stability, peace and prosperity.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“I welcome the efforts deployed under the leadership of President Tshisekedi to increase regional cooperation, as well as the participants’ pledge to continue engaging in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions and strengthen their coordination and collaboration in the fight against negative forces. In that regard, I also salute the decision of the East African Community to admit the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a full member, as announced today during the nineteenth extraordinary summit of the Heads of State. To conclude, allow me to thank the Council for its commitment to supporting MONUSCO, as evidenced by resolution 2612 (2021), extending the Mission’s mandate, and by its continued engagement on these quarterly discussions.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“In Tanganyika province, the Mission is closely monitoring the evolution of the security dynamics, particularly in Nyunzu territory and the Bandera area, to maintain a nimble planning for the scheduled withdrawal of MONUSCO in June this year. We must not forget that the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s stability is also tied to the support of its nine neighbouring countries. The interdependence of the States of the region, particularly the need to seek common solutions to challenges impacting all, was highlighted during the recent summit in Kinshasa of the tenth High-level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism, reuniting the signatory countries and guarantor institutions of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“The implementation of a progressive, responsible and sustainable transition also advances at field level with a view to ensuring that national and provincial institutions and partners continue to deliver on key tasks and preserve the gains achieved, with the support — as required — of United Nations agencies. To reduce some of the existing vulnerabilities in areas from which MONUSCO is progressively disengaging, efforts are also under way to advance the humanitarian development and peace nexus approach towards a common analysis and coherence in terms of planning and action among partners. In line with that approach, MONUSCO remained engaged with the United Nations country team and the provincial authorities of the Kasais after its withdrawal from the area last year.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Indeed, MONUSCO, together with the United Nations Development Programme, continues to support the work of the national coordination structure and facilitates its engagement with the provincial and local stakeholders to enable the implementation of community-based approaches to disarmament, demobilization and community reintegration and stabilization. The validation of the national strategy for the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization programme on 28 March, which is expected to be formally adopted in a ceremony chaired by President Tshisekedi on 4 April, will be an important stepping-stone in the operationalization of the programme.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“(spoke in English) I am glad to report that since my last briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.8918), I have seen progress in the common efforts of MONUSCO, the United Nations country team and the Government to implement the joint transition plan. The joint working group has produced an initial report of the benchmarks and indicators to measure progress on the plan that we have drawn up. The sub-working groups have also begun their work, with notable developments in the operationalization of the protection of human rights, as well as the disarmament, demobilization and community reintegration and stabilization. I take this opportunity to highlight the importance that I attach to the successful implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization programme.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“With the setting up of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the start of preparations for the electoral process, I also welcome the goal expressed by the President of the National Assembly to conduct a consensus-based review of the electoral law so as to ensure the most inclusive, transparent and peaceful process possible to allow for, in particular, the active participation of women and young people within the constitutional time frame. The strategic importance of the review of the electoral law for the stability of the country cannot be underestimated. It is a key moment for the majority of the political class and for a civil society that expects concrete measures to restore trust in the management of the electoral process.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Progress in addressing the illegal trade in and exploitation of natural resources, which continue to fuel these conflicts, as well as in security sector reform to improve performance and efficiency, and in increasing resources earmarked for combating impunity for criminals, traffickers and the accomplices of armed groups are key components. In that context, I welcome the opening on 15 March of the new parliamentary session and the inclusion on its agenda of essential proposals and draft bills, including a review of the electoral bill, a bill on combating discrimination, racism and xenophobia, and a bill on military training.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Without a combined approach that addresses the causes and the symptoms alike, our means and those of the FARDC will remain inadequate, given the deteriorating security situation. That proves the inherent limits of having recourse solely to security operations to resolve conflicts. Therefore, while we firmly condemn attacks by armed groups on civilians, I reiterate my call for the implementation by the Government of comprehensive political strategies that also include reforms and measures aimed at addressing the structural and root causes of those conflicts, allowing us to ensure lasting peace and stability. The beginning of national consultations in the area of transitional justice are a step in the right direction.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“In the light of these very worrisome security developments, MONUSCO has redoubled its efforts to better protect civilians by conducting offensive operations in Ituri, working jointly with FARDC and UPDF, deploying support units for FARDC to increase the deterrent effect against M-23 in North Kivu, and continuing mobile deployment to provide protection to displaced persons in South Kivu. Our civilian teams are also working tirelessly with the communities concerned in an attempt to ease tensions, encourage dialogue and document those responsible for crimes in order to continue the fight against impunity. However, we must be realistic and face the actual situation on the ground.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Over the past three months, four humanitarian workers have been killed, one has been wounded and six have been kidnapped. I must raise the alarm here about the considerable erosion in the protection of the civil status of sites for displaced persons and the frequent attacks on military medical services and other kinds of civilian infrastructure. I therefore take this opportunity to remind all parties to the conflict of their legal and moral duty to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“In North Kivu, the situation is compounded by the disturbing use of improvised explosive devices by the Allied Democratic Forces, whose leadership renewed its allegiance to the Islamic State on 11 March. MONUSCO has also recorded an approximately 10 per cent increase, on average, in human rights violations since December 2021. Attacks carried out by the members of armed groups on civilians, restrictions on democratic space and an increase in hate speech are the primary causes of such violations. Following the deterioration in the security situation and the increase in the level of violence against civilians, the needs for humanitarian assistance have again increased in the east of the country. Limited access and incidents against humanitarian workers continue to hinder the response.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Yesterday M-23 elements also perpetrated horrific attacks, targeting civilians in communities near Rutshuru, and fighting broke out in the three-border region near the border town of Bunagana. In the Hauts Plateaux and Moyens Plateaux of Uvira and Fizi territories in South Kivu, fresh violence against civilians is regrettable, following attacks carried out by Mai-Mai groups on the villages of the Banyamulenge community and reprisals by the Banyamulenge militia in response to attacks on FARDC positions. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has recorded an average of 250 civilian deaths every month in each province — a total of more than 2,300 deaths in three months.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“In those traumatized provinces, the tragic consequences of repeated attacks perpetrated by the majority Lendu armed group, known as the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo, either on camps for displaced persons in the Hema community of Djugu territory or on villages in the Alur community in Mahagi territory, are exacerbated by the reprisals carried out by a majority Hema armed group and the Zaire militia and its spread into Mambasa territory in an attempt to control gold resources and fund its activities. Over the past three months, there has been an alarming increase in activities by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) in North Kivu, which led to major attacks with FARDC and attendant population displacement.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“Military operations of the defence and security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the context of the state of siege, have been carried out by the joint military operations of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF). However, the number of civilian losses and displaced persons has increased as a result of the bloody reprisals perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces against civilians living in North Kivu and Ituri, where they are displaced.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude for being given this opportunity to address the Security Council in order to provide an update of the current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the issuance of the most recent report of the Secretary- General in that regard (S/2022/252). I also welcome the participation of Ms. Léa Babite Inyobondaye, in her capacity as representative of civil society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since my previous briefing to the Council in December (see S/PV.8918), the security situation in the east of the country has deteriorated.”
2022-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9007 (2022) · source
“I count on the Council to renew its support to MONUSCO and provide adequate resources to enable the Mission to carry out its mandate for the benefit of the Congolese people.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“A national consensus on the reform of the electoral law will be absolutely critical in that regard. In conclusion, I wish to thank all members of this Council for their steadfast support to MONUSCO. I also wish to pay a special tribute to the troop- and police-contributing countries and all my colleagues, whether military or civilian staff, whose support makes possible the implementation of the Mission’s mandate. As the country looks ahead to elections in 2023, I urge all political stakeholders to focus, over the next twelve months, on taking forward the key reforms needed to consolidate the hard-won stabilization gains achieved so far and overcome continuing challenges, particularly in the east.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“I am encouraged by the recent meetings between the presidency, the Prime Minister and the Presidents of the Senate and National Assembly with the leadership of the Catholic and Protestant churches, which have helped reduce tensions arising from the disputed appointment of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). I also want to salute the efforts of the Congolese civil society national coordination, to which Ms. Kalala belongs, and which worked hard to help the different stakeholders find an agreement on the CENI leadership. I encourage them to continue their efforts to foster a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process. MONUSCO will continue to use its good offices to build trust among all stakeholders.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“The sustainable exploitation of natural resources is also a State responsibility vis-à-vis the international community in the global fight against climate change. I commend President Tshisekedi’s intervention at the twenty-sixth Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow and his commitment to combating deforestation in the Congo basin rainforest and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 21 per cent by 2030. As I have underscored before, the process of democratic consolidation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo presents both challenges and opportunities.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Long-term stability also requires a firm commitment to good governance and the rule of law. In that regard, I welcome the holding of the general assembly for the fight against corruption, organized by the Government in October, which led to a series of recommendations for reforming and strengthening the regulatory system and State anti-corruption agencies. I encourage the Congolese authorities to continue the implementation of measures against corruption. The illegal exploitation of natural resources is a major driver of conflict that needs to be addressed. I am encouraged by the Government’s efforts to reform the mining sector and reiterate the Mission’s readiness to support these efforts, within the limits of its mandate and the means at its disposal.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In recent weeks, the Mission’s senior leadership, together with the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, have led field visits to jointly assess progress towards the implementation of the exit strategy and enhance coordination with provincial and local authorities. Meanwhile, in the Kasai region, the United Nations system remains focused on continued efforts to sustain peacebuilding gains, following the withdrawal of MONUSCO. The international community, represented by the partners coordination group, has continued to show its commitment to a responsible and sustainable transition process. In October, the group undertook a field visit to Kasai and Kasai Central provinces to review the implementation of nexus-related projects and the provincial coordination mechanisms.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source