YouSaid · the spoken record

Lacroix

lines on the record: 1,191
first: 2006-08-31
most recent: 2023-11-14
sittings or episodes: 115
sources: un-security-council

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“South Sudanese women and girls cannot continue to be victimized and brutalized and no justice done. Regarding the humanitarian situation, on which Assistant Secretary-General Mueller will brief the Council, I remain concerned about the constraints on the operating environment for humanitarian operations. Humanitarian convoys continue to encounter checkpoints, extortion, harassment and acts of violence. While much of that can be attributed to criminality, I call on the Transitional Government of National Unity to work towards compliance with President Kiir's directive of unfettered humanitarian access, and call on all other parties to allow humanitarians to carry out their life-saving tasks across the country.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“For example, on 16 January, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism report on sexual and gender based violence in Central Equatoria indicated that there was clear evidence that sexual violence, mutilation and sexual assaults by uniformed SPLA soldiers and other Government security services continued to prevail in Central Equatoria. Unfortunately, such human rights violations are compounded by impunity, as perpetrators are not held to account. For instance, on 20 December, a South Sudan National Police Service officer who had been sentenced to three years imprisonment for raping a minor was released the same day, allegedly on the order of the High Court Judge. That contributes to the perception of impunity across the country. I call on President Kiir to put to an end to such impunity.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“With respect to human rights, I deeply concerned about the high level of grave abuses and violations perpetrated against civilians, mainly women and children. The gravity of conflict-related sexual violence is deplorable and constitutes an emergency in its own right. From January to December 2017, UNMISS documented lll incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, which is a very conservative figure given that the Mission's ability to perform its monitoring and reporting tasks to verify violations suffered by victims has been restricted by interference by Government institutions and access restrictions. There were 2,670 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence in 2017, including conflict-related incidents perpetrated by both State and non-State actors.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“UNMISS has also intensified actions to establish an increased presence in Akobo, in northern Jonglei, in order to support humanitarian efforts and to gain a presence in areas held by the SPLA in Opposition. At the moment, UNMISS long-duration patrols allow a semi-permanent presence, which the Mission plans to build upon in order to build confidence with the local community. The deployment of the Regional Protection Force (RPF) continues, with ongoing discussions with the Permanent Missions to the United Nations ofthe Federal Republic of Ethiopia and of Rwanda to expedite the deployment of the main contingents of their respective infantry battalions. The number of RPF troops deployed in South Sudan currently stands at 759.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“During the reporting period, intercommunal violence also escalated in the Jonglei, Lakes and Warrap areas, causing approximately 160 fatalities, including at least 24 women. UNMISS reacted swiftly to those incidents by mobilizing community leaders and peace actors to de-escalate intercommunal tensions and promote dialogue and reconciliation. Under the Mission's efforts to extend its presence, I am encouraged to report that tomorrow Special Representative of the Secretary-General Shearer will travel to Yei, in Central Equatoria, to formally inaugurate a new UNMISS base. The base will allow the UNMISS force to project its presence, build confidence and restore stability to an area that has witnessed massive depopulation to Uganda as a result of recent conflict.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“The objectives and motivations behind these attacks are not clear. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) continues to closely monitor the security situation in Juba and the consequences the tensions between the Government and the former Chief of General Staff may have in Northern Bahr E1 Ghazal and other parts of the country where forces loyal to him remain deployed. Meanwhile, on 4 January, there were also shooting incidents between security forces and criminal elements in the vicinity of the protection-of-civilians sites adjacent to the UNMISS headquarters in Juba. UNMISS immediately reinforced such sites with additional uniformed personnel to prevent any entry. The volatility of the security environment in and around sites remains a source of concern.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“The South Sudanese parties must realize that the international community and the region will not continue to tolerate agreements being signed and violated in total impunity. I urge the Council to speak out very clearly against those violations and to take the decisive actions necessary to impose real consequences for the violators. Regarding the security situation in Juba, the attacks by unknown armed elements on Government security installations in Gurei sector in the city, and Kapuri, west of Juba on 4 January, are of concern. On 5 January, the SPLA Spokesperson attributed those attacks to forces associated with Lieutenant Colonel Chan Garang, a commander reportedly close to the former Chief of General Staff, Paul Malong, who defected from the SPLA to pro-Machar SPLA in Opposition in October 2016.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“These violations by the parties and the continuing hostile propaganda they have undertaken against one another are worrisome, as they illustrate a lack of genuine commitment to honour their words and de facto undermineregionalandinternationalefforts to revitalize the peace process. At this point, I can only reiterate the 12 January joint statement of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Secretary-General, who strongly condemned those violations and underscored their clear intent to support the imposition of consequences, consistent with the African Union Peace and Security Council communique' of 20 September 2017, should the parties continue to violate their own agreement.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“The security situation in the country remains of concern, and there continue to be numerous violations of the Agreement, with clashes between pro-Taban Deng Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in Opposition and pro-Machar SPLA in Opposition forces in Koch, Unity, and between the SPLA and pro-Machar SPLA in Opposition forces in Mundri and other areas of Western Equatoria, as well as in different parts of the country. The Security Council will have the opportunity to hear from the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, former President His Excellency Festus Mogae, on the violations reported by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism on 16 January.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I am grateful for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the Secretary-General's 30-day report as well as on the situation in South Sudan. Let me begin by saying that we welcome the signing of the 21 December Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access between the South Sudanese parties. This represents a significant achievement on the part of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with the full support of the region and the international community. Nevertheless, the signing of the Agreement, While a great stride forward, is only a first step.”
2018-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8166 (2018) · source
“The review on peacekeeping fatalities recently conducted by Lieutenant General Cruz and our plan of action highlight the importance ofenhancing our efforts and ensuring that all peacekeepers receive the training and equipment necessary to operate in such hostile conditions. We are currently working with MINUSMA to take all necessary measures to implement the recommendations outlined in that report.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“In spite of persisting capability gaps, including for crucial assets, such as helicopters, MINUSMA is pursuing its effort to project the robust posture mandated by the Security Council. Since the beginning of the year, peacekeepers repelled three attacks against one position in Kidal region and one ambush in Mopti region, and three improvised explosive devices exploded against Mission vehicles. I am pleased to report that such attacks resulted in only minor injuries to two peacekeepers. We also note that the mitigation measures implemented by the Mission are having a positive impact. However, such endeavours are long- term.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“I must note that resolution 2364 (2017) had requested that MINUSMA develop within six months a mission-wide prioritization plan articulating a phased approach to mandate implementation and a transition plan. However, we felt that to ensure maximum impact, it would be important that the two plans be informed by the findings of the strategic review to be conducted in the coming weeks. We therefore believe that the two plans will remain living documents until the conclusion of the strategic review can be incorporated. In the meantime, MINUSMA continues to focus on core-mandated tasks, with notable achievement in its good offices and the protection of civilian efforts.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“The International Commission of Inquiry will investigate serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed in Mali since January 2012. Its establishment represents an important step forward in the implementation of the justice and reconciliation measures outlined in the Agreement, and in efforts to fight impunity. Five years after the Mission's establishment and two and a half years after the signature of the peace agreement, we believe the time has come to re-assess the assumptions about MlNUSMA's presence, review its key mandated tasks against its achievements on the ground and re-examine the Mission's layout for a comprehensive strategic review.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Allow me here to welcome the participation of the Carter Center, for the first time, in the Agreement Monitoring Committee meeting held last week, the recent nomination of the Panel of Experts mandated by resolution 2374 (2017) and the Secretary-General's decision to establish the international commission of inquiry, of which he informed the Security Council by letter yesterday. The independent observer will identify blockages, apportion responsibility and make recommendations for the way forward. The Panel of Experts will support the Committee in identifying and imposing sanctions against individuals hampering the implementation of the agreement. It will also help to shed light on the links between international organized crime, terrorist groups and signatory armed groups.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“The modest achievements made to date in the implementation of the Peace Agreement that forms the cornerstone of the Mission's mandate, the entry into function of the independent observer, the operationalization of the sanctions regime, the establishment of the international commission of inquiry, the upcoming presidential elections, the continued security risks facing our personnel on the ground, the growth of insecurity spanning towards the centre of the country and the deployment of a new regional force by the G-5 Sahel make the independent review requested by the Secretary-General particularly timely.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“However, most of those initiatives remain in the inception phase, and have yet to produce significant changes on the ground. For the future, central Mali is likely to command sustained attention and become an increasingly prominent feature in peace and reconciliation efforts. The upcoming presidential elections will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the stabilization of Mali.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Meanwhile, consultations for the conclusion of the technical agreement among the G-5 Sahel, the United Nations and the European Union are progressing, and we intend to work closely with the European Union and the African Union on ajoint resource mobilization strategy before the donors conference of 23 February in Brussels in accordance with the provisions ofresolution 2391 (2017). Development partners are also stepping up their efforts. Since October 2017, the Peace Building Fund launched four projects focused on the Mopti and Segou regions for a total of$8 million. Those projects are aimed at enhancing the participation of women and youth in reconciliation efforts and preventing intercommunity conflicts, including by restoring traditional conflict mediation mechanisms.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“I would also like to welcome the progress made in the operationalization of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel), which has launched its second operation, as well as the establishment by the G-5 Sahel secretariat of a coordination cell to provide political oversight to the operations of the Joint Force. As recommended by the Secretary-General in his October report (S/2017/811), we would also advise that the groupe de soutien be activated to ensure unity of vision and purpose among all stakeholders.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“Prime Minister Maiga convened a Cabinet meeting devoted to addressing insecurity in the central region and the national coordination body's integrated plan for securing the centre of the country is now operational. For its part, MINUSMA has enhanced its support for the Malian defence and security forces in central Mali following the signature of the memorandum of understanding with the Government on 8 November. The Mission is helping upgrade the security of six Malian armed forces bases for an estimated cost of $1 million, as well as continuing to assist with casualty and medical evacuations.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“To that end, I encourage the Government to launch the implementation of the agreement's key measures - decentralization and security sector reform - in a concerted and inclusive manner. In that regard, I would like to assure the Government of the continued support of MINUSMA, under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who is sparing no effort in exercising his good offices. (Spoke in English) As was previously mentioned, the report under consideration highlights the continued worsening of the situation in the centre of the country with the highest number of terrorist attacks documented in the Mopti region. The Government is making efforts in that regard.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“The fact that, after more than two years following the signing ofthe peace agreement, the northern development strategy project has not been adopted means that a large percentage of those living in the north has been deprived of long-awaited peace dividends. Humanitarian actors estimate that by 2018, 4.1 million Malians - or 22 per cent of the population * will be food insecure. The estimated percentage is even higher for the northern and central regions where 30 to 40 per cent of the population would be affected. As members of the Security Council saw for themselves during their visit in October 2017, the challenges remain considerable, and, as I have said, our goal must be to establish conditions conducive to the holding of elections and, beyond them, pursuing the peace process.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“A consensus on the next steps would enable the launching of the cantonment and demobilization, disarmament and reintegration processes and thereby help reduce insecurity in the northern regions. Time is short, and we are facing a constant race against time in Mali. We are facing increasing insecurity that has unfortunately cost the lives of hundreds of civilians in the northern and central parts of the country, as well as dozens of members of the Malian defence and security forces, Blue Helmets and contingents of Operation Barkhane over the past year. We are also facing a worsening human rights and humanitarian situations in the country.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“It is also hoped that constructive consultations among the parties, following the meeting of the Agreement Monitoring Committee of January 15 and 16, will enable them, in the days to come, to adhere to the timetable agreed at that meeting. That is essential to ensuring coherence between the Peace Agreement and the legal framework concerning decentralization and to laying the groundwork for the holding of local and regional elections in April 2018 in an optimal security conditions. In the same vein, I would like to encourage the signatory parties to dedicate the coming months to developing a road map articulating their vision for new Malian defence and security institutions and the various stages of the reform.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“I welcome the fact that the first trip by Mr. Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga, the new Prime Minister of Mali, appointed on 30 December, was slated for Algeria, the lead mediator. We hope that consultations with the Algerian authorities will give awaited impetus to talks with the other signatory parties with a view to overcoming the differences observed over the past several months. In particular, I highlight the controversy related to the Territorial Communities Code, as well as persistent divergences concerning the issue of quota requirements for the integration of former combatants into the armed and security forces, which are essential for the launch of the cantonment and security sector reform.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“The timetable could finally revive development for the northern regions. However, with the holding of presidential elections, scheduled for mid-July, less than six months away, it is now important that the Government and the signatory movements make every effort to respect that new timetable. Almost a year ago, on 10 February 2017, the then Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, His Excellency Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, as chief mediator, presided over a high-level ministerial meeting of the Agreement Monitoring Committee, which resulted in a road map for installing the interim authorities and initiating joint patrols, as well as the establishment of a permanent consultation framework comprised of the signatory parties, international mediators and key partners. Unfortunately, it is clear today that those measures have not been followed up.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“That timeline includes an entire series ofmeasurcs that should allow progress with regard to institutional measures, including, in particular ensuring that the Territorial Communities Code conforms with the Peace Agreement, and the operationalization of the interim authorities and the transitional electoral colleges, as well as the local Governments in the Me'naka and Taoudenni regions, by March. The timeline could also help advance security arrangements, including the operationalization of the Operational Coordination Mechanisms of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu, the finalization of the criteria for the integration of former combatants into the armed and security forces, the further development of security sector reform strategy and the establishment of security conditions for the upcoming elections.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“I should like to convey through the Minister to the new Government our every wish for its success, and to reiterate to him our readiness and that of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to support him in his work, especially with regard to the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The adoption of a timeline for implementing urgent measures within the framework of the Peace Agreement at the last meeting of the Agreement Monitoring Committee on 15 and 16 January was an important step.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to introduce the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/1105) on the situation in Mali to the members of the Security Council, and update them on the most recent developments concerning the political and security situation in the country. I would also like to welcome the presence today of the new Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, His Excellency Mr. Tieman Hubert CouIibaly, whom I warmly congratulate on his appointment.”
2018-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8163 (2018) · source
“No tangible progress was noted in the Darfur political process or in the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. In conclusion, I would like to bring two issues to the attention of the Council. First, as the Mission moves towards the implementation of phase two of the reconfiguration, provided that the current trends continue, I recommend, for the Council's deliberation, that a review take place to consider a new mission concept with adjusted priorities in the context of the renewal of the UNAMID mandate in June. Secondly, funding for the consolidation of peacebuilding efforts in Darfur should be treated by Member States as a political issue of high priority in order to protect the investments made to date in peace and to avoid a relapse into conflict.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“While no serious adverse impact was noted during the field mission and the subsequent weeks, it is clear that it is too early to draw a definite conclusion with regard to the consequences of the closure of team sites for the population. In the period ahead, we will continue to keep the Council informed of any emerging issues. The developments covered by the Secretary- General's progress report reaffirmed the trends outlined above. While the reporting period did not witness any armed clashes between Government forces and the Darfur armed movements, the initiation of the forceful stage ofthe weapons collection campaign across Darfur and its launching in the IDP camps constituted its key features. In addition, the start of the migration season continued to generate violence among communities, although at a lower level than in previous years.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“During phase one of the reconfiguration, the Government of the Sudan has been very cooperative in facilitating the repatriation of contingents and the timely closure and handover of team sites. The overall operating environment for the movement of humanitarian personnel across Darfur has been reliable. However, the Mission is facing some difficulties in obtaining visas for international staff, in particular those working on human rights. The assessment in Darfur was undertaken within a few weeks of the closure of team sites, which allowed for only a preliminary analysis of the impact of the UNAMID reconfiguration.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“The military component currently stands at 11,461, against an authorized strength of 11,395 at the end of phase one; the police component at 2,666, against an authorized strength of2,888; and the number of civilian staff positions has been reduced by 558 following the conduct of a civilian staffing review. In the context of the two-pronged approach of the Operation, the mission recently formalized the concept of the Jebel Marra task force, and will activate it in the second half of January, while, on 7 January, the Government reported having allocated land for the G010 team site, although details on the actual establishment of the site are yet to be agreed. The mission is currently working on the state-specific stabilization plans in cooperation with the Darfur state Government and the United Nations country team.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“While no additional displacements occurred during the assessment period and some voluntary returns have taken place, including the recent repatriation of Sudanese refugees from the Central African Republic to South Darfur, the lack of security, basic services and sustainable livelihoods in the areas of return, as well as issues related to land ownership, have become major impediments to return. Phase one of the reconfiguration of UNAMID was completed before the deadline of 31 December 2017, with 11 team sites closed and handed over to the Darfur state government by the end of October.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“UNAMID is engaging the authorities on reported concerns over non-respect for the rule of law and violations of human rights associated with the campaign, while monitoring its execution in the IDP camps, including the Kalma camp. In the meantime, progress towards achieving a negotiated political settlement to the conflict remains elusive. Thus far, the humanitarian indicators illustrate a continuing emergency situation, with 2.7 million people displaced, of whom 2.1 million across Darfur are in need of assistance, and 1.6 million people living in various camps and settlements.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“In Darfur, the deployment of the Rapid Support Forces and the execution ofthe weapons- collection campaign have increased the Government's capability to respond swiftly to security challenges. The developments have also created new dynamics by bringing the different groups under the authority of the Rapid Support Forces, including, recently, the border guards of Musa Hilal, and by gradually creating the conditions for new political realities. Without major incidents overall, the disarmament campaign has been received with mixed reactions and scepticism, particularly by the communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs), while the local authorities and tribal leaders believe that it has increased security among the communities.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“The assessment was conducted by a joint African Union-United Nations team, with representation from the United Nations and humanitarian country teams, which visited Khartoum and Darfur from 7 to 17 November 2017. Allow me to briefly introduce the main findings of the assessment. The conflict trends indicated in the special report of 18 May 2017 continue, since, following the military victory against the rebel movements, the Government of the Sudan is firmly consolidating its control and State authority across Darfur, except for the pockets in the Jebel Marra area controlled by a fragmented and weakened Sudan Liberation Army/ Abdul Wahid, with the other rebel groups having been engaged in mercenary and criminal activities in neighbouring countries.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“In June last year, in acknowledgement of the overall improvement of the security situation in Darfur, the Security Council endorsed the recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in their special report of 18 May 2017 (S/2017/437) for a two-pronged approach, with a focus on protection in the Jebel Marra area and on stabilizing the situation in other areas of Darfur. In the same context, the Security Council authorized a reduction of the Mission's uniformed and civilian personnel in two phases, including the handing-over of 11 UNAMID team sites to the Government of the Sudan, while requesting a written assessment by 1 January 2018 ofthe first six months of the reconfiguration.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in Darfur. Six months after the adoption of resolution 2363 (2017) on the two-phase reconfiguration of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), I am honoured to bring to the attention of Council members the joint assessment of the Secretary- General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission ofthe Mission's phase one reconfiguration, as submitted in the joint report (S/2018/l2), in line with paragraph 6 of the resolution. I shall also touch upon recent development in Darfur in the context of the latest 60-day report of the Secretary-General on UNAMID (S/2017/1113), issued on 27 December 2017.”
2018-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8155 (2018) · source
“Leila Zerrougui, will continue to be fully committed to working closely with all concerned actors in achieving this objective. In conclusion, I would like to thank Maman Sidikou, who is completing his assignment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his tireless efforts in good offices initiatives and in supporting the promotion of human rights and the protection of civilians over the past two years.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“While acknowledging the need to rationalize resources by making better and more efficient use of available assets, it is vital that MONUSCO be afforded the necessary means to effectively support the political process and address the daunting security challenges that the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face. The coming months will be critical in safeguarding the collective investment made by international, regional and national actors in stabilizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the past two decades and in preparing the ground for the consolidation of peace and stability in the country and the wider region. The United Nations, through the good offices of the newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“I look forward to engaging closely with Council Members and troop- and police-contributing countries over the coming weeks and months to ensure that MONUSCO continues to evolve in response to the challenges on the ground. On the political and electoral front, I should note that MONUSCO continues to provide logistical and technical support to the Electoral Commission for the voter registration and other electoral activities. As requested in the electoral calendar, MONUSCO has submitted to the Electoral Commission its logistical support plan for the upcoming presidential and national and provincial legislative elections, which would be a major undertaking requiring adequate resources. Before concluding my remarks, I would like to highlight the importance of the continued support of Council members and Member States to MONUSCO.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“Regarding the Force Intervention Brigade, efforts are ongoing to train the units in jungle warfare with a view to responding more effectively to the asymmetric environment in which they operate. Steps are also being undertaken to improve information gathering and analysis. Regarding the police component, the redeployment of a Senegalese formed olice unit (FPU) from Goma to Kinshasa is almost complete, and the unit is expected to be fully operational by the end of this week. Some forward bases have been closed, including in the Bunia area, as the MONUSCO force continues to optimize its presence on the ground. We are also working on the review of statement of unit requirements for FPUs to enable the swift redeployment of FPU elements to other areas of operations based on the evolution of the situation on the ground.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“Efforts are also ongoing to increase the mobility and flexibility of the force and the Mission's police and civilian components to enable protection through projection. Specifically, preparations are under way for the deployment of a third rapidly deployable battalion, which will be operational by next month. We are reviewing the statement of unit requirements for rapidly deployable battalions so as to ensure that the two that will be deployed later this year are lighter and more flexible. Within the framework of the Secretary- General's recommendation to review United Nations air assets, MONUSCO has conducted a review to assess how to obtain air assets that are more suitable for its operations and enhance their use.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“Titov and his team, which includes senior representatives of the Tanzanian armed forces, have already begun their work and will be in the region in the coming days with a view to presenting their findings to the Secretary- General by the beginning of next month. Naturally, we look forward to engaging closely with the Council once the investigation team has completed its work. Meanwhile, MONUSCO, in line with the strategic priorities reaffirmed by the Security Council following the strategic review, has enhanced its support to the political and electoral processes and is making the necessary adjustments to its civilian, police and military components in order to enable a comprehensive approach to the protection of civilians, including by monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“The asymmetric nature of the threat posed by the ADF requires a combination of military and non-military means. Neutralizing the ADF will require much closer regional cooperation, enhanced information-gathering and analysis, disruption of the political and economic support networks of the group, strengthened cooperation among MONUSCO and the national security forces, and targeted military operations. As part of the Secretariat's response to the Semuliki incident, the Secretary-General has appointed former Assistant Secretary-General Dmitry Titov to lead a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Semuliki incident that will provide recommendations on actions required to address the ADF threat and enhance the ability of MONUSCO to address the threat posed by armed groups. Mr.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“The killing of 15 Tanzanian peacekeepers of MONUSCO'S Force Intervention Brigade and the wounding of 44 others on 7 December 2017 was the latest in a string of deadly attacks perpetrated by suspected ADF elements. When I visited Semuliki, shortly after the incident, I witnessed the particularly difficult terrain in which the Brigade operates and the violence of the attack that the assailants carried out against the base. Despite the heavy losses sustained by the Tanzanian troops, I was reassured by the Tanzanian authorities in Dar Es Salaam that they remain committed to addressing the threat posed by the ADF and other armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I wish to take this opportunity to once again convey my deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Tanzania for this tragic loss.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“As the Council will recall, in late September MONUSCO acted decisively in support of the FARDC in repelling an attack by Mayi-Mayi Yakutumba on Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu. The actions of MONUSCO, which were critical in preventing the fall of the city, were a tangible demonstration of the Mission's readiness to take robust action against armed groups that pose a threat to the civilian population. In Beni territory, North Kivu, after being dormant for months following major operations by the FARDC and MONUSCO in 2016, the ADF resurfaced in the summer of 2017, carrying out deadly attacks against civilians, the FARDC and MONUSCO.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“These attacks, mainly involving Mayi-Mayi groups, are taking place in a context of competition for natural resources and continued intercommunity violence, often fuelled by local political actors seeking to take advantage of the current situation. The impact on the civilian population has been severe, with more than 4 million persons internally displaced as a result of violence and humanitarian agencies predicting that this figure could rise significantly this year. It is, however, encouraging to note that the FARDC is gradually regaining the initiative against the Mayi-Mayi groups and taking control of territories previously lost to the armed groups. MONUSCO remains actively engaged, in line with its strategic priorities, in the protection of civilians.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source
“At the same time, it is imperative that the Democratic Republic of the Congo's partners, working in close collaboration with the Government and the electoral authorities, provide the necessary political, financial, logistical and technical support to ensure the timely holding of credible elections. Further delays in the electoral process risk not only fuelling political tensions but also compounding an already fragile security situation. In recent months, armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have launched repeated attacks on positions of the Forces arme'es de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), inflicting losses on the FARDC and capturing, albeit temporarily, resource-rich territories.”
2018-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8153 (2018) · source