YouSaid · the spoken record

Leila Zerrougui

lines on the record: 30
first: 2020-06-25
most recent: 2020-10-06
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“Serious challenges remain and there is clearly much work to be done to place the country on the path to long-term stability and long-term development. I therefore call on the Security Council to continue supporting MONUSCO in its efforts to help the Congolese Government and people preserve the gains made during the Mission’s presence and create the conditions for its responsible exit.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“In particular, the Mission continues to work closely with the Office of the Special Envoy on a range of issues, including the promotion of non-military measures to tackle the threat posed by armed groups, the importance of which I have already emphasized, and the development of the United Nations regional strategy. The Mission is also committed to working closely with the African Union, the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community, all of which play an essential role in promoting peace and development in the subregion. To conclude, as I have stated before, the elections of 2018 and resulting peaceful transfer of power were a historic turning point that has made it possible to start envisaging MONUSCO’s progressive drawdown and withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I have continuously emphasized the need to break this cycle and implement a programme of community reintegration that seeks to build the resilience of communities receiving ex-combatants and provide for their legitimate needs, while removing the incentive to form and join armed groups. I believe that this is one of the most urgent priorities facing the country today, and it is one on which I continue to engage with the Congolese authorities at the national and provincial levels, as well as interested donors. I call on the Council to throw its full weight behind efforts to foster this new, community-based approach to reintegration, which represents a clear break with the failed policies of the past. MONUSCO remains committed to exploiting synergies with other United Nations presences in the Great Lakes.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The stabilization of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo will depend to a large extent on progress made towards the dismantling of armed groups and the sustainable reintegration of ex-combatants into their communities. It is vital, in this context, that we avoid repeating the experiences of the past, where large numbers of ex-combatants were granted amnesty and integrated into the Congolese security forces, undermining their professionalism, discipline and unity of command. The prospect of obtaining a rank in the Congolese security forces was an incentive to form an armed group, resulting in a deadly cycle of recyclage, the consequences of which are still being felt today.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“MONUSCO is also working hand-in-hand with the United Nations country team, the World Bank, the Peacebuilding Fund and other multilateral and bilateral partners to develop and implement a range of programmes designed to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of the population and set the country on the path to sustainable development. In this context, I wish to express deep concern over recent reports of attacks — including killings and kidnappings — on humanitarian actors trying to provide relief to populations affected by conflict. I urge all stakeholders to enable humanitarian access to populations in need and recall that resolution 2417 (2018) condemns unlawful denial of humanitarian access to civilian populations.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The Mission will continue to work closely with the Congolese military and police to strengthen their ability to protect the civilians in the remaining areas of the country affected by insecurity. At the same time, it is important to understand that the protection of civilians goes well beyond the conduct of military operations. This is why the Mission is working with the Congolese authorities and local communities, civil society, women’s organizations and young people as part of an integrated approach that combines support to community reconciliation, strengthening of the justice system, professionalization of the security forces, and monitoring and reporting on human rights abuses.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I have already touched on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is described in detail in the report of the Secretary-General. I have consistently condemned the serious abuses and violations that continue to be committed against civilians. MONUSCO is working closely with the Government and the Congolese security forces to provide comprehensive responses in all areas affected by armed group violence. At the core of its current activities, the Mission remains focused on improving the implementation of its protection of civilians mandate, including by enhancing the performance of its peacekeepers and harnessing the technological capabilities at its disposal, such as unarmed aerial systems.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“There is agreement with the Government that in the coming years, MONUSCO will gradually consolidate its footprint in the three provinces where active conflict persists — namely, North and South Kivu and Ituri — while pursuing its work of good offices and institutional strengthening at the national level. As part of this process, the Mission should be able to withdraw from the Kasai region, which is in a phase of post-conflict consolidation, relatively soon. In Tanganyika, recent improvements in the security situation should enable the Mission to reduce its military footprint, despite continued domestic armed group activity in the north and low-level inter-community conflict in some areas.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“President Tshisekedi has underlined his wish for a gradual transition and a responsible exit of MONUSCO. He has stressed that this should be undertaken through a progressive transfer of tasks from MONUSCO to the Government, in coordination with the United Nations country team. Given the complexity of the conflict environment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the joint strategy is based on a series of region-specific strategies, tailored to the particular needs of the six provinces, outside of Kinshasa, where the Mission is still present.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I continue to meet regularly with stakeholders from across the political spectrum, both inside and outside of Government, to remind them of the delicate juncture at which the country finds itself and urge them to focus on implementing the reforms needed to address the pressing needs of the population and place the country on the path to long-term stability and sustainable development. In doing so, I have sought to impress upon all my interlocutors that there is a difference between normal political competition and behaviour that undermines the stability of the country. The Security Council will soon receive the joint strategy on the progressive and phased drawdown of MONUSCO. I am pleased to report that fruitful discussions are ongoing with the Government at the most senior levels to achieve a common understanding of the way forward.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The current political dispensation remains fragile and could yet unravel. At the same time, it has the potential to sustain and advance the gains that have already been made, should all actors work towards this goal. It is as much a learning process for the members of the ruling coalition — who were political opponents and must now overcome their differences and build trust among one another — as it is for the opposition and civil society, who must learn to navigate a new political landscape and work to ensure that the peaceful transfer of power becomes a routine occurrence. In this context, I have spared no effort in the exercise of my good offices.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“In my previous briefings to the Security Council, I have underlined the dual nature of the current political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On the one hand, I believe that, despite its internal differences, the political class accepts and even appreciates the opportunities offered by the ruling coalition between Cap pour le Changement and Front commun pour le Congo. On the other hand, there are persistent tensions between the members of the coalition that have threatened to undermine what has come to represent a key pillar on which the country’s long-term stabilization rests. To this challenge we must now add another — the risk that politicking and positioning ahead of the 2023 elections will become the overriding focus, to the exclusion of the governance reforms and stabilization measures that the country needs.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Although MONUSCO’s civilian and uniformed personnel had their professionalism and patience of sorely tested during this difficult period, they continued to carry out the Mission’s work, demonstrating their adherence to United Nations values. In this context, I wish to reiterate my appreciation to the troop- and police- contributing countries of MONUSCO for their flexibility, particularly concerning the temporary halt on troop rotations, and to all Mission personnel, civilian and uniformed, for their unwavering professionalism and dedication during this time of great uncertainty. I am pleased to report that rotations have resumed and that all civilian personnel are present at their duty stations and working under appropriately flexible arrangements.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I wish to emphasize that, notwithstanding the pandemic, MONUSCO has successfully maintained continuity of operations and mandate delivery by introducing a range of measures and procedures that have helped to ensure that the Mission is not a vector of transmission for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Among other things, the Mission enhanced its internal screening and treatment capacity in order not to place an additional burden on the local medical system. A temporary halt was placed on troop rotations and staff returning from abroad were required to self-quarantine. Movements were also temporarily halted between Kinshasa, where the outbreak commenced, and the provinces where the Mission’s operations are concentrated.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to update the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in conjunction with the issuance of the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/919). My briefing today will touch on the continuing political tensions in the country the progress being made on the Mission’s transition, and efforts to pursue a comprehensive approach to the protection of civilians.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the troop-contributing countries, which have demonstrated great flexibility in terms of the temporary halt on troop rotations that have been necessary to ensure that the Mission itself does not become a vector for the transmission of COVID-19. I also thank the Mission’s civilian staff, who are carrying out indispensable work in this time of increased uncertainty and movement restrictions.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“While restrictions linked to COVID-19 and the increased violence in the east have hampered efforts to hold a structured dialogue with the Government, as requested by the Council, the Mission is pursuing its internal planning and hopes to build on the constructive relationship to accelerate the development of a joint strategy as soon as the context becomes more conducive. In that regard, I ask the Council today for its continued support for MONUSCO’s work and the United Nations country team, including to stop the spread of COVID-19 and respond to the multiplicity of humanitarian emergencies that the population continues to face.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The Southern African Development Community, for example, remains a key partner in these efforts, as demonstrated by its active role in helping to resolve the recent border dispute between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. As I have emphasized in my recent briefings, there remains an opportunity for long-term progress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which can pave the way for a responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the Mission in the coming years.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I believe strongly that the implementation of such transition programming is a crucial element of ensuring an environment that permits the responsible and sustainable exit of the Mission. I would also like to take this opportunity to underline the synergies that MONUSCO benefits from in the efforts to improve the political climate in the broader Great Lakes region. In that regard, the Mission works closely with the Office of the Special Envoy on a range of issues, including to promote non-military measures to resolve conflict in the region. The African Union and regional organizations also continue to play an essential role in promoting peace and development in the subregion.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In southern Irumu territory, for instance, the security situation has continued to improve since the signing of the peace agreement with the Force de résistance patriotique de l’Ituri (FRPI), laying the foundation to overcome a conflict that has lasted almost two decades. In view of the interlinked nature of political stabilization, security and socioeconomic development, MONUSCO, along with the United Nations country team, is giving priority to the implementation of programmes to support transition in areas moving towards a state of post-conflict. We are therefore looking to enhance cooperation with the World Bank and other partners to assist with economic development and social cohesion in the Kasais.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo need our full support for the work that they do and are indeed in need of continued significant assistance to improve their logistical, training and operational capacities. Security-sector reform therefore must continue to be a priority for the Government and a vital area that the Mission and the international community must support. It is important to note that, notwithstanding the increased violence in several provinces, the Mission continued to actively seize opportunities to support the Government in its local reconciliation efforts.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Finally, in Nyunzu territory, Tanganyika province, more than 100 civilians have been killed in intercommunity conflicts between Twa and Bantu over the course of the past months, and tensions remain high in neighbouring areas. To address those issues, MONUSCO continues to pursue a comprehensive approach that combines active troop deployments to hotspot areas; community engagement; the development of targeted protection strategies; and the provision of critical, large-scale logistical support for Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) operations. I would like to highlight and pay tribute to the soldiers of the FARDC and the uniformed contingents of MONUSCO, who are performing in an extremely difficult and dangerous environment.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I would like to seize this opportunity to reiterate my condolences and that of the entire Mission to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the family of the deceased. In the hauts plateaux of South Kivu, ongoing intercommunity conflicts have further degenerated with the proliferation of militias among all communities. I condemn in the strongest terms attacks on displaced populations and the use of hate speech, which incite further violence. Efforts to de-solidarize communities from those militias and preventing external actors from supporting their agendas will be vital to addressing the escalation of tensions in the area.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Equally, reports of incursions by elements of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces in Aru territory, northern Ituri, have led to additional protection-of- civilians concerns and the displacement of the local population. In North Kivu, there is concern over what appears to be the intention of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to regroup and intensify attacks, resulting in increased civilian casualties. On 22 June, a MONUSCO convoy was ambushed by presumed ADF elements close to Beni town while returning to base after reconstructing a damaged bridge. One Indonesian peacekeeper lost his life and one was injured in that tragic incident. This is a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that our peacekeepers are willing to make to protect civilians and advance peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“At the same time, many parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to be torn by violence as a result of the activities of armed groups and intercommunity conflicts. That trend has been fuelled by the effects of the political turmoil and the pandemic, which have an impact on the Government’s ability to take structured and comprehensive measures against actors perpetrating violence against civilians. The situation in parts of Ituri in particular has gravely deteriorated over the past months. An intensification of attacks on civilians and security forces by assailants associated with the Lendu community has in turn triggered Hema and Alur youth to create self-defence groups, sparking fears of a further ethnicization of the conflict.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Maintaining popular support for the Cap pour le changement-Front commun pour le Congo coalition and the overall political dispensation has also been challenged by the trial, conviction and sentencing of the President’s Chief of Staff, Vital Kamerhe, and disagreements over the renewal of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I therefore spare no effort in the context of my good offices to remind interlocutors of the opportunity presented to them by the outcome of the 2018 electoral process and of the fact that the country’s progress rests on the readiness of actors across the political spectrum to put aside partisanship in order to prevent a political crisis that could have major consequences for the stability of the country.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, over the course of the past days, the coalition has been put to the test following the introduction of three bills by Front commun pour le Congo parliamentarians that are considered by both the Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social (UDPS) and the opposition to undermine the separation of powers and weaken the independence of the judiciary. Yesterday a large number of UDPS supporters breached the enclosure of the National Assembly and vandalized a number of private properties to demonstrate that development. Those actions were broadly condemned, including by the President.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I believe that there has been an understanding on the part of the political leadership that maintaining this political coalition intact is a fundamental prerequisite for making progress on the wide array of governance, security and socioeconomic challenges that still stand in the way of the country’s long-term stabilization. At the same time, there are indeed serious tensions within the coalition, which is frequently unsettled by partisan manoeuvring leading to an erosion of trust between its partners.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Assisted by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), as outlined in the report of the Secretary-General submitted to the Council (S/2020/554), the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have undertaken a variety of efforts to limit the spread of the virus and alleviate the additional socioeconomic burden placed on the population by the movement restrictions, border closures and other measures taken to deal with the pandemic. That necessary work has nonetheless slowed the pace of the Government’s programme and reform agenda. With respect to the overall political situation, to date the ruling coalition, composed of President Tshisekedi’s Cap pour le changement and former President Kabila’s Front commun pour le Congo, continues to hold together.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to present the various challenges that we are currently facing in the country, in a context marked by political tensions and an upswing of violence in certain parts of the east, amid a fragile socioeconomic situation. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has introduced an additional layer of complexity and concern into the existing issues that we face in the country. The Government has, understandably, been focused these past several months on the immediate response to the threat posed by the global pandemic.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source