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

“(spoke in English) The implementation of the transition plan for the progressive, responsible and conditions-based drawdown of MONUSCO is making progress. At the national level, the Mission, the United Nations country team and the Government continue to coordinate the operationalization of the joint transition plan presented in October to the Council, through a joint working group. At the provincial level, MONUSCO and the United Nations country team, in collaboration with national and international stakeholders, are operationalizing the humanitarian-development-peace triple nexus approach in Tanganyika, in anticipation of the Mission’s drawdown from the province by June 2022.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“I hope that the group will serve as an instrument to catalyse international support for the programme. I encourage the Government to proceed without delay to the appointment of the provincial coordinators of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Programme. I invite the national coordination to sensitize all the actors concerned, including the defence forces and security, on the civilian and decentralized nature of the programme, favouring the community reintegration of combatants and banning any amnesty and automatic integration into the army, in accordance with the agreed principles. International support and the success of the programme depend on it.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“This situation has been compounded by the emergence of new cases of the Ebola virus. In that regard, I commend the involvement of humanitarian partners that quickly mobilized to help the Ministry of Health prevent the spread of the disease. I take this opportunity to reiterate the appeal to international partners and donors to redouble their efforts under the humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has so far received only 34 per cent of the necessary funding. Following the establishment of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Programme, the Government created a joint technical working group to ensure coordination between the United Nations and the Congolese authorities in the operationalization of the programme.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“A sustainable solution to the violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo will require a broader political commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict. If stability is to return to eastern Congo, the State must succeed in restoring and maintaining the confidence of the people in its ability to protect, administer, deliver justice and meet their basic needs. I have stressed that regularly in my exchanges with the Head of State and with the Prime Minister. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in the east of the country due to insecurity and epidemics, combined with limited access to basic services. The number of internally displaced people stands at nearly 6 million, of whom 51 per cent are women. This is the highest number of internally displaced people on the continent.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“An interinstitutional commission headed by the Minister of Defence is carrying out a complementary assessment by consulting the population and the local political class in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. These consultations are also a step in the right direction. The challenges facing the Government in implementing the state of siege highlight the limits of a strictly military approach to the protection of civilians and the neutralization of armed groups. The period of the state of siege in fact saw a 10 per cent increase in the number of violations and abuses of human rights in the country, compared to the previous period, attributable in the great majority to armed groups and the security forces in the two provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“It should be recalled that, with a view to responding to the security challenges in the east of the country, the Congolese authorities decided in May to declare a state of siege in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, whose duration has just been extended for the thirteenth time. Given the difficulties associated with the implementation of the many criticisms that have resulted from it, the Defence and Security Standing Committee of the National Assembly carried out an assessment of the state of siege and made recommendations to the Government, in the contexts both of security and of territorial administration and justice. I would welcome that constructive and democratic approach, which has been accepted by the Government.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“To that end, on 2 December the Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) went to Kampala to define with the authorities the practical modalities of that tripartite coordination, which will cover, inter alia, aspects related to the security of the aviation, the protection of forces participating in operations and humanitarian access to affected populations. Tomorrow, the Force Commander will be in Kinshasa to meet with the FARDC military hierarchy in order to pursue the dialogue initiated in Kampala. I also stress that MONUSCO, within the framework of its mandate, will continue to monitor and report any potential human rights violations committed on Congolese territory.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In my interactions with the highest authorities of the two States, I have taken note of the sovereign decision to carry out this joint military action and underlined the absolute necessity to put in place operational mechanisms of cooperation in order to ensure the security of the United Nations peacekeepers and allow the Mission to continue to support the FARDC in the protection of civilians and the neutralization of armed groups, in accordance with the mandate granted to it by the Council. These mechanisms are being put in place.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Air and artillery strikes against ADF positions in North Kivu and Ituri were followed that same day by the entry of Ugandan units into Congolese territory in Nobili, North Kivu, which were then directed towards the Kamango area, 50 kilometres from Beni. At this time, ground operations continue to neutralize enemy combatants in areas of bombardment today.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to address the Security Council to present the current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the publication of the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/987). I look forward to providing this briefing in person after a long period of remote interaction due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. In my recent briefings to the Council, I have underlined the main challenges and opportunities, particularly with respect to the protection of civilians in the east of the country. These challenges are still relevant today. It is in that context that on 30 November, the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) initiated joint military operations with the Ugandan army against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“As we approach the renewal of MONUSCO’s mandate, I believe that the joint transition plan constitutes a road map that can help guide the work of the Mission in the coming years and prepare the ground for its orderly and responsible withdrawal. That must not obscure the fact that there is still much to do to silence the guns in the eastern provinces, foster the political dialogue necessary to pave the way for credible and transparent elections in 2023, and support the long-term strengthening of the country’s institutions. I therefore call on the Council to continue to provide its full backing to MONUSCO, including by endorsing the joint transition plan with adequate financial resources and playing an active role in its operationalization.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“(spoke in English) Finally, I would like to highlight President Tshisekedi’s ongoing efforts to improve the political climate in the Great Lakes region through active diplomacy and the conclusion of bilateral agreements aimed at fostering increased economic cooperation. As I have previously noted, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s term at the helm of the African Union offers an opportunity to not only foster peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes region but also to consolidate the partnership between that continental body and the United Nations. Special Envoy Xia and I will continue to work hand in hand to support the realization of the Secretary-General’s strategy for the Great Lakes region, in close consultation with the Governments of the region.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The Government’s draft law on financing for 2022, which focuses on security, education and health care while providing budget lines to speed up economic growth, is a step in the right direction. The ongoing resolute support of partners in achieving those far-reaching programmes will be extremely important. With a view to the Mission’s withdrawal from the province of Tanganyika in June 2022, the Mission is working closely with the agencies, funds and programmes to ensure the necessary programme assistance to build on the gains made in the province to date and to deal with the last remaining pockets of insecurity. Clearly, that will integrate the lessons learned from the withdrawal from the Kasai in June of this year.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“To that end, MONUSCO continues to pursue its good offices with actors across the political spectrum, including to advocate for increased women’s participation in this process. (spoke in French) Beyond those challenges, the implementation of the transition plan that was submitted to the Council as an annex to the current report of the Secretary-General is a real opportunity for the Congolese Government and the United Nations system. The operationalization of the plan is closely linked to the Government’s programme of action and will hinge to a large extent on the ability of the authorities to finance their priorities and to create the conditions necessary for the Mission’s withdrawal.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“(spoke in English) The second challenge — which I have already addressed in my previous exchanges with the Council — concerns the process of democratic consolidation. While the formation of a new Government in April this year provided an opportunity to advance on critical reforms, the focus of political actors and civil society alike is increasingly gravitating towards the 2023 elections. There is still no consensus on the composition of the National Independent Electoral Commission, and several members of the opposition have organized rallies to contest the reform of the Commission, which has already been adopted by Parliament. In this context of political suspicion, I reiterate the need for an inclusive and peaceful electoral process founded on dialogue, trust and transparency.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“I would urge Member States to increase their contributions to the 2021 humanitarian response plan, which provides $1.98 billion to meet priority needs. To date, unfortunately, the plan has received only slightly more than one quarter of its financing. I would like to underscore the unwavering commitment of MONUSCO and the United Nations country team to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and to provide comprehensive assistance to victims. Following recent allegations regarding the response to Ebola, the humanitarian country team in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has strengthened its systems to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse. To do so, $1.5 million has been made available through the humanitarian fund.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Such populist, belligerent speech poses a threat to the country’s stability and should be judicially sanctioned in a way that sets an example. The security situation and difficulties in accessing the east of the country continue to hamper humanitarian operations in a context in which one in three people requires assistance. Food insecurity and cyclical epidemics are major concerns. Attacks against schools and hospitals have exacerbated humanitarian challenges in several regions in the east, in particular in Ituri. With more than 5 million people displaced within the country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has the highest number of displaced on the African continent. More than 26 million Congolese people are suffering from food insecurity, that is, 29 per cent of the population.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Although joint military operations against the Allied Democratic Forces resulted in the dismantling of several of the group’s strongholds, human rights violations perpetrated by State and non-State actors — in particularly in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces — remain worrisome. Between June and August, 367 people were the victims of arbitrary and extrajudicial killings, and 203 others, in particular women and children, were subject to sexual violence. In some regions, in particular in South Kivu, intercommunal conflicts have been fuelled by hate speech. I unequivocally condemn all hate speech, including recent statements encouraging the “cleansing” of Hauts Plateaux and justifying the murder of members of the Banyamulenge community.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“There is a close link between the state of siege and the Programme, which takes complementary approaches to ensure the sustainable dismantling of armed groups. I assured the President and the Prime Minister that the United Nations is fully at the disposal of the Government to advance those processes, including through the sub-working group on the Programme between the Government and MONUSCO. Finally, the Mission also intensified its political engagement with actors from the conflict zones so that they support the implementation of the state of siege and maintain a constructive dialogue with military governors.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The state of siege made it possible to strengthen the partnership between MONUSCO and the FARDC, which translates into progress on the planning and execution of operations. In that regard, all rapid reaction units should be deployed by the end of October to strengthen our capacities to protect civilians during joint operations against armed groups, in accordance with the human rights due diligence policy. Nevertheless, much remains to be done, including to ensure that the human rights of the population are systematically respected in the fight against armed groups. The promulgation of the ordinance creating the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme, on 5 July, and the subsequent appointment of the national coordinator represent a great opportunity.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“The first, and arguably the greatest, challenge concerns security and the protection of civilians in the eastern part of the country. Since the declaration of a state of siege by the Government in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the Mission has redoubled its efforts to support the armed forces, the police forces and the judicial authorities in order to restore the presence and authority of the State in each of the territories concerned. The force’s intelligence-gathering capabilities have been enhanced. Training is provided to the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) on military tactics and respect for the principles of human rights and humanitarian law.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“I thank the Security Council for this new opportunity to address it to present the Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/807) on the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and to provide an overview of the current situation in the country. I would like to focus my briefing today on the overview I presented to the Council in March (see S/2021/316, annex I) and the challenges and opportunities that arise on the road that we must travel together with the Government and the Congolese people in order to continue consolidating the country’s democracy, strengthen its institutions and move forward resolutely towards stabilizing the eastern provinces and ensuring the protection of civilians.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, there is a need to intensify political engagement in the quest for non-military solutions to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo while increasing pressure on armed groups through a more active force posture. And, fourthly, an agreement must be reached with the Government on a set of conditioned benchmarks that clearly links the Government’s programme of action to the adjustment of the Mission’s presence. I ask the Council’s full support in that regard and thank members for their continued engagement towards peace and stability in the country.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“In this regard, in line with the joint strategy for the drawdown of MONUSCO, the Mission ceased its activities in the Kasai region on 30 June. Working in close collaboration with international partners, the United Nations country team is actively involved in the implementation of programmes to support peacebuilding in line with the priorities identified by the Congolese authorities. (spoke in English) In summary, I see the immediate primary tasks before us as follows. First, there is a need to actively support the implementation of the Government’s programme of action. Secondly, we must intensify good offices encouraging the establishment of the conditions that permit the 2023 elections to be held on time and in a consensual manner.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“In this sense, MONUSCO not only continues to provide support for military operations in strict compliance with the human rights due diligence policy, but also seeks to ensure humanitarian access, the strengthening of the justice sector and the opening of legal proceedings on any human rights violations committed during the state of siege. (spoke in French) MONUSCO and the United Nations country team are working closely with the Government to develop a set of benchmarks and indicators that will structure the Mission’s transition plan. This is an opportunity for the United Nations to refine the parameters of its assistance to the Government’s peace and development priorities and to take the necessary steps to gradually draw down the Mission in clear conditions.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“The fourth meeting of heads of intelligence and security services on a comprehensive regional approach to neutralizing negative forces — which was held in an open and cordial atmosphere in Burundi yesterday — is testament to this positive development. The state of siege declared in North Kivu and Ituri on 6 May remains in effect following parliamentary approval for extensions. We continue to engage with civilian and military authorities on the matter and have underlined, in particular, the need for strict respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in the implementation of this measure.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“That is part of a broader, encouraging pattern of reduction of political tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours, which has been a priority of President Tshisekedi since his assumption of office. The relationships between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda and the Democratic Republic and Rwanda, in particular, have turned a corner, as demonstrated by the recent meetings between President Tshisekedi and President Museveni, and subsequently with President Kagame. I am hopeful that this can provide a springboard for broader political stabilization in the Great Lakes region. Towards that end, I am working hand in hand with Special Envoy Huang Xia, as well as with regional and continental partners, to find non-military solutions to cross-border conflict drivers.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“In this province we are supporting the Government in advancing a larger political process in support of stabilization, which will include meetings held between the governors of South Kivu and those of neighbouring areas in Rwanda and Burundi, along with forums bringing together representatives of women, youth and the private sector. Leveraging our regional partnerships, this is being done in cooperation with the Office of the Special Envoy and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy will also continue to be an important tool to support these efforts.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“I am happy to report that the PDDRCS legal framework was enacted by the President on 5 July and that MONUSCO has developed a draft strategy to support its operationalization, with particular focus on the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of national and foreign combatants active in Ituri, the Kivus and Tanganyika, building on lessons learned from past experience. The PDDRCS is, in fact, one of the priority areas in the newly created joint working group with the Government. Concurrently, the Mission is also accelerating its political engagement in conflict areas, which includes my recent outreach in the context of the ongoing intercommunity violence in the Hauts Plateaux of South Kivu.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, the FIB has, since Monday, been supporting training of 1,700 FARDC troops in Ituri province, which we hope will contribute to strengthened protection of civilians in the area. However, military means alone cannot provide lasting solutions. Without the restoration of State authority, including local civil administration, a meaningful security sector reform plan and the reconciliation of local communities, we are unlikely to see sustainable progress. The actions taken must focus on the many social, economic and governance needs, including in relation to managing the security apparatus, addressing the underlying challenges of land reform and improving governance of the mining sector. The solution, again, rests in the hands of the Congolese Government.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“In this regard, I am delighted to report that the reconfiguration and enhancement of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) is on track with the deployment of the Tanzanian quick- reaction force in May and the arrival of the remaining three quick-reaction forces in the near future. Similarly, MONUSCO’s ability to gather relevant tactical information has received a boost with the Tactical Intelligence Unit now having reached full operational capacity and the deployment of a Geolocation Threat Analysis Unit detachment to Beni, North Kivu. This has already resulted in enhanced sharing of intelligence with the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) in support of operations against armed groups.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“From the recent bomb explosions in Beni to other continuing violence and Allied Democratic Forces attacks in North Kivu, as well as intercommunal tensions in Ituri and in the Hauts Plateaux in South Kivu, civilians remain under serious threat from the attacks of armed groups and the broader security context. With the transition of the Mission depending in large part on the return of peace and stability to these areas, I believe that there is still much work to be done before MONUSCO can responsibly withdraw. The Mission continues to implement a holistic strategy to address security challenges in the east, which includes the maintenance of a robust posture to counter threats to the civilian population.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“I encourage the concerned leaders of institutions, political parties and civil society organizations to work together to reassure the country of the credible and independent organization of the 2023 electoral process. I also stress the need to organize inclusive and peaceful elections, while being aware of the potentially dangerous consequences of a divisive debate on nationality. Encouraging the full implementation of the Government’s action plan is therefore the current focus of my good offices. (spoke in English) The security situation in the provinces of Ituri and North and South Kivu continues to be of grave concern. The eruption of Mount Nyiragongo on 22 May — which led to a large movement of population — further exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in areas surrounding Goma.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“The implementation of the Government’s action plan will largely depend on the mobilization of the necessary resources, but also on the stability of the new political coalition put in place in April — the Union sacrée de la nation. In that regard, the political manoeuvring in relation to the preparations and management of the 2023 electoral process must not distract from the implementation of the necessary reforms. I cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that the 2023 elections are held within the constitutional timeframe. It is essential, indeed, that a national consensus be reached on the appointment of the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and then on the reform of the electoral law.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“The appointment of the first woman governor of the Central Bank of the Congo is another example of that encouraging trend. In that context and as requested by the Council, I worked with the Prime Minister to set up a joint working group between the Government, MONUSCO and relevant agencies. The working group, launched on 5 July, will support the implementation of the Government’s action plan and oversee the Mission’s transition process. Its first task is to generate a transition plan to be submitted to the Council in September. Its activities will also contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2024.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“What clearly links the work to be done for the political and security stabilization of the country to the ultimate departure of MONUSCO is the Government’s action plan, which includes elements of civilian protection and the neutralization of armed groups, a new disarmament, demobilization, community reintegration and stabilization programme, as well as a commitment to hold national and local elections in 2023. The action plan, which was adopted by the National Assembly on 26 April, also marked the inauguration of the new Government of Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge. I am pleased to note that the new Government has 15 women in ministerial positions, representing 27 per cent of the total number of positions. That is an increase of almost 30 per cent compared to the previous Government.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to the Security Council today to present the Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/587) on the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and to provide an overview of the current situation in the country. I remain convinced that despite the serious political, security, humanitarian and development challenges, the opportunities I spoke about in my most recent briefing (see S/2021/316) remain.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source
“Those prospects must go beyond daily needs, to ensure development, promote gender equality and facilitate access to economic opportunities and social services. That is why I call on all partners to ensure the rapid disbursement of the pledged funds and to support the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. Investing in sustainable and inclusive development efforts is the most effective way to address the root causes of conflict, violent extremism and terrorism. Lastly, I call on the Governments of the region to go beyond security response and continue to establish mechanisms and implement reforms to bolster national unity and cohesion. That must be the thrust of the partnership to be shored up in the fight against terrorism, insecurity and inequality.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“It must support the Joint Force so that it can fully play its role and achieve more tangible results on the ground. It is important that funding promises be kept. I would like to acknowledge the contribution made in that regard by the European Union and other international partners, whose support for the Joint Force is crucial and vital. Once again, I reiterate the Secretary-General's call for predictable and sustainable funding for the Joint Force. Security initiatives will bear fruit only if satisfactory responses are delivered on issues related to underdevelopment, poverty, governance, the lack of access to basic services, systematic exclusion and the effects of climate change. We must offer people, especially youth, opportunities for the future.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“I am pleased to note the efforts undertaken to operationalize the police component of the Joint Force in operations related to fighting terrorism and transnational organized crime. The police component has an integral role to play in implementing the Joint Force compliance framework and investigating allegations of human rights violations by members of the Joint Force. (spoke in French) Terrorism today is a shared problem, a problem for all. No country can face it alone. In that connection, I would recall that most G-S Sahel countries already spend almost 20 per cent of their national budgets on defence and security, which, however essential to addressing the root causes of insecurity, means a decline in investment in human security. The international community must therefore contribute to the effort to fight extremism in the Sahel.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“It is of critical importance that the Joint Force and the member States of the G-5 Sahel continue to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the protection and security of the civilian population remain at the centre of their security efforts, both under the Joint Force and at the national level. Furthermore, we call on the Joint Force and G-5 Sahel countries to ensure that allegations of human rights violations involving Joint Force contingents are fully investigated, as they not only undermine the population's trust but also the image and reputation of the Joint Force and that of national security forces and, ultimately, the very purpose of such military operations.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“The delivery of life-support consumables to all contingents operating under the Joint Force has the potential to help the Joint Force enhance performance and operate more effectively. However, more equipment, capabilities, such as air assets, and training will be needed for the Joint Force to make a difference on the ground. In that regard, I wish to recall that the provision of support to the Joint Force by MINUSMA, as mandated in resolutions 2391 (2017) and 2480 (2019), was and should remain one of several assistance mechanisms for enhancing the G-5 Joint Force's capacity. In addition, I would like to welcome the efforts of the Joint Force to implement the human rights and international law compliance framework, with support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other partners.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Resolution 2480 (2019), adopted on 28 June, lifted geographical restrictions on the provision of water, rations and fuel to all battalions of the Joint Force. MINUSMA has taken swift action to provide the required support. On 3 October, the Joint Force requested 429,000 litres of fuel and oil and 35,000 rations for all its battalions in all five countries. In response, after completing a risk assessment under the United Nations human rights due-diligence policy, MINUSMA began delivering the requested items. So far, it has delivered 60,000 litres of fuel and 4,500 rations to designated collection points in Mali. MINUSMA stands ready to deliver the rest of the support as soon as the contingents confirm their readiness to receive the items.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“The initiative is aimed at reinforcing troop and police forces from G-S Sahel countries at the national level, which will play an instrumental role in combating terrorism. Another important initiative to combat growing insecurity and terrorism was announced by the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States meeting in Ouagadougou on 14 September. Their pledge of $1 billion to fight terrorism and extremism over the next five years is a sign of the renewed commitment to take ownership and find solutions to the challenges facing their countries. In parallel, it will remain critical to continue supporting the efforts by the Joint Force, as well as mobilizing external partners to that end.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“The Joint Force remains a critical part of a series of regional and international security responses to address extremist groups in the Sahel along with other cross- border challenges, including trafficking - in persons, illicit goods, weapons and drugs - migration and displacement. However, the Joint Force alone cannot secure the Sahel. More needs to be done to prevent further deterioration of the situation. To that end, I welcome the recent encouraging international and regional initiatives to respond to the expanding threat posed by terrorist armed groups in the Sahel. One such initiative is a new partnership for security and stability in the Sahel, announced in August by the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the margins of the Group of Seven Summit held in Biarritz, France.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“It involved 1,400 foreign troops - from Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger - working alongside the French forces, and resulted in the neutralization of 24 suspected terrorists and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, 100 telephones and 64 vehicles. The terrorist attacks on the Joint Force base in Boulikessi, in the Mopti region of central Mali, and on the Malian armed forces post in Mondoro, on 3 September, which resulted in the killing of dozens of soldiers, was a painful reminder of the dangerous environment in which the Joint Force and other security forces are operating in the Sahel. I would like to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the personnel operating under the Joint Force in the fight against terrorism, as well as to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for their countries.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“(spoke in English) The situation in the Sahel is of serious concern, and urgent action is needed. It is therefore encouraging that the G-5 Sahel Joint Force has increased its operational tempo. I welcome the commitment and determination of the G-5 Sahel countries to overcome the many challenges they face in operationalizing the Joint Force. Since the issuance of the Secretary-General's report before the Council (8/2019/868), the Joint Force conducted an additional operation in collaboration with the French forces. The operation took place in the border area between Mali and Burkina Faso from 1 to 17 November.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Four hundred and eighty-nine incidents were recorded in Burkina Faso this year, as compared to 151 last year. Two-hundred and eighteen have occurred in the Niger this year, versus 69 at the same time last year. In addition, violence caused by terrorist groups in the Sahel is now spreading to countries on the West African coast and along a Sahelo-Sahara strip and virtually links the Joint Force's areas of operation with those of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin. That fact was recently noted by many representatives of the countries of the subregion in Dakar, who warned against the risk of collapse of the security cordon in the region. In that connection, the Heads of State of Mauritania and Senegal have renewed calls for a robust mandate for the Joint Force.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“Attacks attributed to or claimed by terrorist groups against security forces and civilian populations increased, as did violent incidents involving members of various communities. On 6 November, in Boungou, north-eastern Burkina Faso, approximately 40 civilians and soldiers were killed in an attack by terrorist groups. Nearly 100 elements of the security forces of Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger lost their lives in a series of attacks targeting the Liptako-Gourma triangle over the past 10 days. And, on 18 November, 24 soldiers belonging to the Malian armed forces died in a counter-terrorist operation near Tabankort in northern Mali, close to the Nigerian border. In total, since the beginning of this year, security incidents have tripled in the region as compared to last year, particularly in Burkina Faso and the Niger.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for giving me this opportunity to update the Security Council on the activities of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel), including the international support it enjoys, especially from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), as well as the challenges facing the Force and the possible measures that could be envisaged in that regard. I have just returned from the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, during which the issue of increasing the strength of the Joint Force and improving its relations with MINUSMA was widely discussed. I will return to that point later in my briefing. The security situation in the Sahel continued to deteriorate over the past six months.”
2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8670 (2019) · source