YouSaid · the spoken record

Kobler

lines on the record: 436
first: 2011-12-06
most recent: 2017-06-07
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“David Gressly, for their active engagement in the negotiations. Since 3 June, our joint efforts have neutralized about one fourth of the total FRPI strength. Beyond purely military successes, peace consolidation will also necessitate the restitution of State authority and the creation of job opportunities, especially for the youth, and solutions for ex-combatants who would otherwise see better opportunities with the armed group. The operations demonstrate that, by joining forces, we can more effectively protect defenceless populations. By unifying our stance, we can consolidate peace. And by working together, we can restore hope. (spoke in French) The operations against the F RPI clearly demonstrate what we can achieve when the forces of MONUSCO and the Democratic Republic of the Congo work together.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“Those operations have been the most effective since the fall of the Mouvement du 23 mars. They are a testament to what our collective efforts can achieve. Let me be clear: not to use force is always our preferred option. Our priority was to ensure that the FRPI disarmed voluntarily. We actively participated and supported the negotiations that would have allowed the combatants to reintegrate into civilian life. However, the use of force proved to be inevitable this time. After missing three consecutive deadlines to surrender, MONUSCO forces, in support of the Congolese army, engaged the FRPI in a jointly planned and coordinated response. The Congolese army's ground offensive, aided by our attack helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, proved to be effective. In that regard, I wish to thank the Deputy Force Commander and my Deputy, Mr.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“Today, I would like to update the Council on three issues that deserve our persistent engagement: first, the security situation in the east; secondly, the electoral process; and, thirdly, the strategic dialogue between the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the United Nations and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The protection of civilians is at the core of the MONUSCO mandate and at the forefront of all our military activities. Allow me to begin by telling the Council about a ray of hope that I have just seen on one of our front lines. As we speak, the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) military cordon and search operations, supported by MONUSCO forces against the Forces de resistance patriotiques en Ituri (FRPI), are ongoing.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“Mr. Kobler: At the outset, I would like to extend my most heartfelt congratulations to New Zealand for its current leadership of the Security Council. (spoke in French) Since it is the Fourteenth of July, I would like to pay due tribute to France on its National Day. (Spoke in Arabic) Also allow me to express my best wishes to all Muslims during this month of Ramadan and on the upcoming festival of Bid Al-Fitr. (spoke in English) I wish to thank the Security Council for renewing our robust mandate. I have no doubt that its fulfilment will pave the way to a more stable, more secure and more peaceful Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the success of our mandate depends upon a continued constructive partnership with the Government.”
2015-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7484 (2015) · source
“In the first three months of 2015, more than 160 child soldiers have managed to escape the FDLR and find refuge with MONUSCO. That is a true success story. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Security Council for the support it has always given us.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“We are here to serve the people, and we are therefore also here to provide our services to the Government. Our willingness to leave the country is real and unequivocal, and we know the Government desires it too. MONUSCO's departure must be tied to results and concrete improvement of the situation on the ground. Until then, we need to start finding concrete ways to improve the situation and relations right now. I therefore propose to the Government that we reset cooperation on a basis of mutual trust. Finally, as always, I should commend those of my colleagues who have recently distinguished themselves. I would like to pay tribute to all the officers of MONUSCO and UNICEF's child protection sections. Every day, hand-in-hand with the FARDC, they free children from the armed groups' grasp. More than 1,000 were liberated in 2014.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“How many kilometres of roadways rehabilitated? How many teachers paid? The objective is clear - gold should be turned into taxes, taxes into schools and schools into a prosperous future. (spoke in French) I would like to end with a fourth point, and here I will also direct my comments to His Excellency Mr. Raymond Tshibanda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 15 February, President Joseph Kabila expressed his opinions about MONUSCO's actions and results. If we are to achieve better cooperation, we must create an atmosphere of trust. We should not forget that the Government and MONUSCO are on the same page when it comes to our goals - the well-being of the people, the end of violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and also the Mission's departure.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“In addition to helping to safeguard the natural wealth of the country for future generations, the Mission, within the limits of its mandate, will explore ways to contribute to addressing the underpinnings of conflict in Congo. We are no longer dealing only with armed groups, but also with well-organized criminal gangs. The exploitation of natural resources in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is valued at more than $1 billion per year. Part of it is illegally smuggled out of the country, and an estimated 98 per cent of the net profits from the illegal exploitation of natural resources, mainly gold, charcoal and timber, goes to transnational organized criminal networks. Rebel groups retain only 2 per cent of the profits from illegal smuggling. How many hospitals could be built if illegal trade became legal?”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“A few FDLR combatants have disarmed, yes, but even their demobilization has not started yet, let alone their repatriation. I now turn to my third point, the stabilization and restitution of State authority. For peace to be sustainable, we need more than military action. Understanding and addressing the root causes of the conflict is essential to disrupting persistent cycles of Violence. I would like to update the Council on recent developments. MONUSCO has recently created an natural-resources crime task force with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Great Lakes Region.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“I am confident that it will take appropriate measures to remedy this unfortunate situation. However, to avoid any potential misunderstanding, I should say that MONUSCO is fully committed to fighting the FDLR. It is also committed to respecting the human rights due-diligence policy. There is no purely military solution to the problem of the FDLR. It must be followed by effective non-military initiatives, including a well-functioning demobilization and repatriation process and effective extension of State authority, if we want to have sustainable solutions. In that regard, I still cannot be satisfied with progress so far. Surrendered FDLR elements are still in the camps of Kanyabayonga, Walungu and Kisangani, where they maintain an intact and functioning military structure.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“The decision to suspend support was based on indisputable values enshrined in the protection of human rights. We want to support the fight against the FDLR and also to implement our human rights policy. We do not want to choose between fighting the FDLR and upholding human rights. We owe that to the people of Democratic Republic of the Congo and to ourselves. Safeguarding human rights is fundamental and cannot be compromised. We are guided by that clear compass. And ifI may speak personally, I am proud to work for the United Nations and its Secretary-General, with his clear Human Rights up Front policy. I know - and President Kabila himself has confirmed it to me - that the Congolese Government shares the same zero- tolerance policy regarding human-rights violations.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“That is why the Council mandated MONUSCO to support the Government in neutralizing it, a mandate that we should be executing in support of the FARDC. We should not be divided on it. Our operations were jointly planned. We worked with the commanding generals for months in an excellent and constructive partnership. They were, however, replaced by officers who had formerly commanded units with a credible history of human rights violations. We were therefore compelled to suspend our support to the operations under their command. All other fields of operations - against the ADF, the Forces de resistance patriotiques de l'Ituri and the FDLR in South Kivu - can continue with our support, in full accordance with the human rights due-diligence policy.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“As I speak to the Council now, the ADF rebels, hiding in the jungles ofKamango, are being pursued by brave soldiers of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), supported by MONUSCO. They have eaten together, lived together and fought together to protect Congolese families. Our combined efforts against the ADF, like the operations against the Mouvement du 23 mars two years ago, have forged a bond between the FARDC and MONUSCO soldiers. Their cooperation was truly an example of best practices, and demonstrated that when we are united we are strong. I hope it will remain so in future. The greatest threat to peace and security in the Great Lakes region still remains the Forces democratiques pour la liberation du Rwanda (FDLR).”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“More must also be done to achieve stability by establishing functional, professional and accountable State institutions and strengthening democratic practices. The drawdown should be aligned with progress in those areas. Any exit by MONUSCO should be gradual, progressive and tied to specific targets to be jointly developed by it and the Government. We should therefore aim to consolidate peace and leave behind a peaceful Congo on the path to prosperity. In the area dominated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the terrorist attacks - torture, mutilations, beheadings - have been reduced. Recently, in and around Beni, almost 300 people, including women and children, even toddlers, were mutilated as they died in terrorist attacks.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“Many still live in fear of rape, of attack, of being robbed of already meagre possessions. This fear affects nearly every aspect of daily life in the east - fear to walk to school, fear to go to the market, fear to tend to the fields. With more security in more places, the time will come for MONUSCO to begin its gradual drawdown. MONUSCO will not stay in the Democratic Republic of the Congo forever; we look forward to the day when it can leave the country, with continuing development support transferred to our colleagues in the United Nations country team. Yes, the Congo has more security than before. Yes, it is on the way to stability. However, more must be done to reduce the threat from armed groups and violence against civilians to a level that can be effectively managed by Congolese institutions.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“Coming to my second point, security, when the United Nations Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) arrived in the country some 15 years ago, the country was socially, economically and politically shattered. When MONUC arrived, the country was at civil war. Today, the country is unified. There is a clear, shared and celebrated Congolese identity. It is no longer at war, nor is it in transition. It is a proud nation. Over this period, the Congolese Government has striven to restore security to its people. It has succeeded in freeing much of the territory from the terror of armed groups. The presence of armed groups is limited to the eastern provinces of the country today. However, the overall security situation is still not stable, nor is whatever stability there is irreversible.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“As resolution 2147 (2014) has spelled out, all relevant parties are responsible for maintaining an environment conducive to the holding of free, fair, credible, inclusive, transparent, peaceful and timely elections, which includes a free and constructive political debate, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, equitable access to media, including State media, safety and freedom of movement for all candidates as well as for election observers, journalists, human rights defenders and actors from civil society, including women. This is what I mean when I speak of defending the values of the United Nations. I am concerned about the arrest of several dozen civil society actors the other day. Political space for civil society is a prerequisite for credible elections.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“I welcome the publication of the global electoral calendar on 12 February, which shall lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections in November 2016. As demonstrations in Kinshasa, Bukavu, Goma and Lubumbashi in January have shown, the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo care about the holding of timely elections. These elections will be a pivotal moment in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If so requested, MONUSCO is ready to support the elections logistically, technically and with its good offices. We are determined to support peaceful elections within the framework of the Constitution. In addition, the Secretary-General spoke on the constitutionality of elections at the twenty-fourth African Union summit in January.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“In the presence of Foreign Minister Tshibanda last Saturday, I had the chance to discuss with President Kabila the current state of affairs in the country, in particular the relationship between the Government and MONUSCO. We agreed on a structured dialogue to discuss issues of concern. I will now update the Council on four points. First, I will discuss the upcoming elections of 2015 and 2016. Secondly, I will brief the Council on the security situation in the country, including the implementation of the United Nations human rights due diligence policy. Thirdly, I will address stabilization efforts and the restitution of State authority. Fourthly, I will discuss how to return to a constructive relationship with the Government by establishing an atmosphere of trust. My first point is the upcoming elections.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“(spoke in English) The mandate renewal consultations are a welcome opportunity to look back on what has been achieved over the past year, whether MONUSCO is still well placed to fulfil its mandate and what adjustments could be made in the year to come to work more efficiently. First of all, I would like to thank the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tshibanda, with whom we have always cooperated in an open and frank spirit. MONUSCO is a temporary guest in his country, a service provider for the Congo, and at the same time a firm advocate of the values of the United Nations.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“I would first like to congratulate France on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. It is as always an honour to appear before the Council to present the latest developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). In the coming days the Council will adopt a resolution that will give MONUSCO its new mandate. I thank you, Mr. President, for having given us the means to fulfil our mission, as I thank you, Sir, for also having understood and supported us in difficult times.”
2015-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7410 (2015) · source
“Finally, please allow me to express my most heartfelt congratulations to Caddy Adzuba, a colleague from Radio Okapi in Bukavu, who last Friday received the prestigious Prince of Asturias Award from the King of Spain for her outstanding reporting on sexual violence suffered by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is truly gratifying to work with such committed and courageous colleagues as Caddy, and to see that her efforts to bring attention to the issue of sexual violance have met with international recognition of the highest order. (spoke in Spanish) Allow me once again to thank the members of the Council for their ongoing support, attention and interest on critical issues for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is always a pleasure and an honour to be here, and I think members for this opportunity.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“At great personal risk and sacrifice, they have set up the Lokolia camp, from which the sick can be treated in a safe, controlled environment. They exemplify the values of the United Nations, and I commend every single one of them. I also congratulate the the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo on its swift and effective action, which has limited the spread of this horrific disease. I am pleased to report that there have been no new infections since 4 October, a hopeful sign that the worst may be over in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I encourage the Government to put the necessary legal protections in place and to enforce them. As always, I wish to conclude by acknowledging the national and international staff of the United Nations for their dedication and tireless efforts to improve the lives of the people of the the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today I especially wish to thank those colleagues deployed in a very remote corner of Equateur province where an outbreak of the Ebola virus once again erupted - the seventh time since its discovery in 1976 in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I recently visited the Ebola-infected area in Lokolia. I witnessed the selflessness, courage and outstanding efforts of Mr. Thapa Rabindra and his team.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“It has made substantial progress over the past 10 years, particularly in terms of macroeconomic stability, with a stable currency and inflation under control at one 1 cent. But its people remain among the poorest in the world, with 70 per cent under the poverty line and unemployment among its youth estimated by the African Development Bank at over 70 per cent. That has to change. It is time for Congo's money abroad to come home and for that money, and more, to be invested in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is time to move from a war economy to a peace economy. It is time to see illegal exploitation turned into legitimate trade. It is time to move from excessive wealth for a few, to sufficiency for all. I fully support Mr. Djinnit's focus on stimulating private investment.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“If necessary, they need to march for days into the jungle, as the Force Commander has done, to take the protection of civilians to the source. We need action, not in action. We must be proactive, not reactive. There must be mobile forces, not static battalions. And we need feet, not wheels. I reiterate my August messages to all contingents: when civilians are at risk, they must act, not ask. We need protection of civilians up front. I ask for the support of the Council. I especially ask those United Nations States Members that contribute troops to endorse and promote this guidance. The last point I wish to raise is the absolute urgency to see the the Democratic Republic of the Congo - the country geographically at the heart of Africa and a nation with immense wealth and potential - become also the economic heart of Africa.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Just as our human rights work is critical to our protection-of-civilians mandate, so too is the approach of our military component. The Force Commander and I agree that the protection of civilians is more than a mandated task, it is our raison d'etre in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a moral imperative of the United Nations. We also agree that to be effective, we need a new paradigm. Presence alone is not enough. Presence without action, in the face of violence, undermines our credibility. Patrolling in hermetic armoured personnel carriers is not enough: troops must get out of their vehicles and interact directly with communities. Staying in safe areas is not enough: the force must pursue the danger where it lies.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I would like to draw four conclusions. First, respect for human rights leads to stability. Secondly, it is those who commit human rights violations and go unpunished who tarnish the image of the the Democratic Republic of the Congo and weaken its security institutions, not those who make them public. Thirdly, our work is collaborative and constructive and aims to strengthen the Government's moral authority. Fourthly, I intend to offer to the Congolese Government a regular high-level human rights dialogue. In that dialogue, which may be discreet, all pending human rights questions can be discussed and confidence can be built. It will be of particular importance during the forthcoming electoral period. Allow me to touch briefly on a number of other important issues.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I express my absolute confidence in the professionalism of Scott Campbell and that of his team, and I stand firmly by the report they produced, for which I take full responsibility. I am equally concerned by recent threats against other staff in the Joint Human Rights Office. It is unacceptable for these dedicated individuals to be intimidated or menaced for doing the work which is at the core of the Council's mandate to us, in line with the Secretary-General's "Rights Up Front" policy, as well as the Charter of the United Nations. This work must continue unimpeded. I am extremely grateful for the support of the Secretary-General, as well as from the members of the Council that have expressed solidarity in urging the Government to revise its decision and to take action to address threats against MONUSCO staff.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Over the past two weeks, we have issued two such reports, jointly with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights: one on the human rights violations committed by the M-23 during its reign over parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the other on 15 October on the Government's Operation Likofi against street gangs in Kinshasa. The report documents the extrajudicial killings of 9 persons and the enforced disappearance of 32 others. In accordance with the strict methodology of the Joint Human Rights Office, these figures are conservative. The Likofi report led to the Government's decision to expel the head of the Joint Human Rights Office, Mr. Scott Campbell, within 48 hours. I asked the Government to reconsider this decision.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“We want to empower the Government in its fight against impunity, and to support its efforts, which have been notable, for improved governance and long-term stability. MONUSCO and its Joint Human Rights Office are and must continue to be partners for the Government in those efforts. We have had very good day-to-day cooperation - most of it discreet - and notable progress, especially with regard to the security services. The human rights due diligence policy is a good example of how our human rights work impacts on the respect for human rights demonstrated by the security forces. However, public human rights reports are and will remain an instrument of the human rights work of the Mission.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“The third issue I bring before the Council today relates to the Mission's work on human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Justice, accountability and respect for human rights are the cornerstones upon which peace and stability are built. For many years now, the Joint Human Rights Office has helped to document grave human rights violations against the Congolese people and to advocate for and protect their rights. This work is not undertaken to weaken or blame the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is undertaken to strengthen good governance, one of the national commitments of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. Respect for human rights and good governance leads to more stability, not to instability.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to expedite the outstanding amnesty requests and to finalize the road map for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former M-23 combatants. I will leave it to Special Envoy Djinnit to further elaborate on the M-23 reintegration process. The military defeat of the M-23 will not be sustainable if Nairobi declarations are not quickly implemented. MONUSCO stands ready to facilitate the repatriation of M-23 ex-combatants. I congratulate the Force Intervention Brigade, supported by all MONUSCO forces, who fought bravely and successfully alongside the FARDC to bring an end to the M-23. I am more than confident that, ifthe FDLR does not disarm before 2 January, the Brigade, supported by all MONUSCO forces, will fight equally bravely and successfully against it.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I, for one, do not want to see that, but it is up to the FDLR to prevent this scenario. It has exactly two months and six days left to disarm, unconditionally, and to go to Kisangani transit camp, as envisaged by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or leave the country, either voluntarily via the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation or resettlement process, or to third countries. The credibility of the United Nations, the Congolese Government and the region are at stake here. The region's credibility is also challenged by the long-overdue repatriation of former M-23 combatants frorn Uganda and Rwanda.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“We all share the same objective - to neutralize the FLDR - and the same conviction that the path of non-violence is the best option. We all agree, as expressed in Luanda, that the FLDR has to voluntarily disarm by 2 January 2015. And all are determined that, after the expiry ofthis deadline, military action against the FDLR will be inevitable against those among the FDLR who do not voluntarily disarm. In this regard, I truly appreciate the Council's press statement of 3 October (SC/11586), recalling that the FDLR is a group under United Nations sanctions that continues to violate human rights. The Council reiterated the importance of the FDLR's swift neutralization. I thank Council members for their support and unequivocal instructions. Taking this fight to the jungle will be long and difficult. It will result in many casualties.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Next, let me turn our attention to the issue which has most occupied the Mission over the past five months, even possibly to the detriment of our focus on the ADF threat - the FDLR voluntary disarmament process. I regret to say that, despite much promise, the process is at an impasse. All special envoys of the Great Lakes region attended the mid-term ministerial conference in Luanda last week. I must congratulate Angola on its leadership of this Luanda process. I have no doubt that Angola will continue to play a positive role as regional peacemaker. I also applaud the high-level attention and the dedication that the Southern African Development Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region have given to this process. All agreed that there had been no progress since 2 July.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“I am extremely grateful to the Special Envoy Said Djinnnit and the Special Envoy of the African Union, Ambassador Boubacar Diarra, for having accompanied me last Thursday in a difficult visit to Beni to deliver two strong joint messages. First, only action against the ADF, not words, will restitute the confidence of the population in the FARDC and MONUSCO. We must establish a triangle of confidence between the population, the FARDC and MONUSCO. In any war, no victory is possible without the support of the local population. Secondly, we strongly advocated for decisive joint military - including combat - operations between the FARDC and MONUSCO against the ADF to bring an end to this scourge.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“These lamentable attacks, however, demonstrate the group's resilience and its capacity to use asymmetric guerrilla and terrorist tactics against civilians. Under pressure and on the run, they may be trying to draw FARDC attention away by attacking population centres. I have made several visits to Beni in the past weeks and days. I have paid my respects to the victims, giving what consolation I could to the grieving families and communities in the face of dozens of coffins lined up side by side. On 22 October last Wednesday, an angry crowd of 2,000 tried to storm the MONUSCO base in Beni. We owe it to the decisive action of our peacekeepers from Jordan, Nepal and Tanzania, along with the efforts of local authorities and the Congolese army and police, that the situation did not spiral out of control.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“And it raised hopes that the seed of peace, sprouting in Goma, would spread throughout the East. However, two weeks later, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) reminded us just how fragile those hopes can be. Between 2 and 17 October, in villages in and around Beni, ADF combatants brutally massacred over 80 civilians, mostly women and children. They used machetes to mutilate the bodies of their victims in order to instill fear and to warn the living not to help Government forces eradicate them. The ADF has been weakened over the past months through effective operations of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), resulting in the capture of their strongholds. Hostages have been released. Tens of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons have returned to the Kamango region.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Today, I will focus on three pressing issues: first, the recent massacres in Beni; secondly, the voluntary disarmament of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR); and thirdly, implementing the human rights mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). In less than one month, between 21 September and 18 October, we witnessed the extremes of hope and despair in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 21 September, in Goma, a concert organized by Peace One Day brought 15,000 people together to sing, dance and celebrate peace in their city. A highly symbolic event, the concert showed just how far Goma had come since its liberation from the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) 10 months before.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Allow me to express my thanks to the Argentine Republic, which holds this month's presidency of the Security Council, for convening this meeting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition to introducing the report of the Secretary-General, I would also like to update the Council on the latest developments in the country. (spoke in English) First, I am glad to brief the Council for the first time with Special Envoy Said Djinnit. After working together for only a few weeks, I already feel that we are in sync, like a pair of rowers, pulling our oars in perfect rhythm up the mighty Congo River. I feel sure that together we will swiftly move ahead and avoid the dangerous rapids.”
2014-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7288 (2014) · source
“Allow me to add that this progress is, among other things, the result of daily commitment and unwavering determination on the part of all United Nations personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would like particularly to recognize and highlight the importance of the delicate, often invisible work of the community liaison assistants. Those national colleagues are the organic link between MONUSCO's forces and the people they protect. I also thank the President and my colleagues on the Security Council, whose firm, decisive support gives us heart and allows us to advance with confidence and energy towards the fulfilment of our mandate.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“Nonetheless, I welcome the recent Government participation in the security sector reform task force and its readiness to work together to define standards and to develop a road map for moving forward. I have confidence that MONUSCO'S newly reinforced security sector reform unit will build on those developments. (spoke in French) I have been in this post for a year. I am pleased to see some tangible progress. A sizable number of armed groups has been relegated to the history books. Others will follow them. Moreover, a growing number of Congolese women and men are able to envisage a better future. Nonetheless, those positive developments are but the beginning of the establishment of a lasting peace in the Great Lakes region. Together, we continue to work on that each day.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“But donors clearly understand that a road map through 2016, with adequate financial commitment by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a prerequisite for their support. Security sector reform has gotten a bad rap in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But behind that imposing name lies a simple aim - to make people feel safe to live their lives; to go to school, to work or to market; to raise their families without fear; and to trust that their police and military are there to protect them. The reform of the security sector is also the precondition for an exit of MONUSCO from the country. Only an efficient rapid-reaction force can replace the MONUSCO Force Intervention Brigade. Progress is still slow.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“Only through inclusive dialogue can we hope to set the foundation for a free, fair and credible electoral process, the outcome of which will contribute to more, not less, stability. It is important that the opposition be given space to express itself. The MONUSCO electoral incidents task force is closely monitoring the situation, in particular with regard to the recent arrest ofMember of Parliament Ewanga. It is important that electoral decisions be based on the Congolese Constitution, which aims at creating a durable foundation for a new republic and to prevent a return to the undemocratic practices of the past. The publication in May of an electoral calendar for local elections is a good first step. I understand the Government's budgetary and legislative constraints to publishing a global calendar.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“In the markets, as travel throughout the province has become easier, goods such as clothes, shoes, books and medicines are increasingly available. Similarly, farmers are able to safely work in their fields, traders bring more goods to market, and prices of foodstuffs have fallen 20 per cent, 30 per cent and as much as 50 per cent. A mother in Kiwanja Rutshuru buying staples for her family would see her bill drop 25 per cent. However, gains remain fragile. Splinter groups and remnant armed groups continue to harass the civilian populations and remain involved in criminal activities, including the illicit exploitation of natural resources, smuggling and illegal taxation. At the national level, elections dominate the political discourse. Through good offices, I have aimed to reconcile differences.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“As it becomes operational, more and more combatants may trade their swords for ploughshares. But reintegration programmes for ex-combatants have a price tag. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that donors quickly support the Government's plan. With the expulsions of various armed groups from areas in North Kivu, islands of stability have begun to emerge from a sea of volatility. State authority is gradually returning. Nearly 1,000 national police have either returned or were deployed for the first time. And with them has come an improvement of security in some areas and a return of the displaced. I encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to prioritize the return of Congolese police and civil servants to consolidate those gains.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“To regional actors, they should use the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region and the good offices of Angolan President dos Santos as Chair of ICGLR to find sustainable compromises on the competing interests that have brought instability to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for decades. Finally, to the international community, I ask that they open their doors to offer a final destination for ex-combatants unable or unwilling to return to Rwanda - offer a peaceful future for their children and the children of the region. We have rapidly climbed a steep slope towards stabilization in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I welcome the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plan, finalized in July, as a critical step in stabilizing the east.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“All human rights violations must stop now. Those who are indicted must face justice in international courts. To the Congolese Government, this is also their process. We are there to support them every step of the way. But we look to them to bring all those involved - regional and international partners and the FDLR alike - into agreement on the way ahead. To the SADC and the ICGLR, I want to express my deepest appreciation and support. Success depends on their sustained engagement and support. They must do all they can to jointly pressure the FDLR to engage; the three-month review must seriously assess the credibility of the disarmament process.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source
“Meanwhile, I suggest joint military action against those FDLR factions not willing to disarm and to act against those who continue to commit human rights violations. The end of the FDLR will be a turning point that will fundamentally alter the security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. If we get that right, the gains will be evident: peace, stability and prosperity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo for the benefit of the population, which has suffered so much. But if we get it wrong, the conflict will drag on. We must all commit all we have to making this work. My messages to the various groups are the following. To the FDLR, it must seize this last opportunity and move forward with the process. All combatants, including leaders, must disarm now.”
2014-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7237 (2014) · source