YouSaid · the spoken record

Sidikou

lines on the record: 159
first: 2014-10-14
most recent: 2018-11-15
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“It has strengthened its civilian and military presence and operations in new areas of concern outside the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically the Kasais and Tanganyika. We have also initiated a process of shifting key functions from Goma to Kinshasa, in order to strengthen the Mission headquarters. I have requested that the MONUSCO protection-of-civilians strategy be revised to address the threat to the civilian population from armed groups. The report of the Secretary-General also sets out a package of measures aimed at enhancing the ability of the MONUSCO force to support the achievement of the Mission's strategic objectives in the current challenging security context through the adoption of a more mobile, flexible and agile posture.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The Mission's main strategic objective during the coming months will therefore be to support the establishment of an environment conducive to the timely holding of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Accordingly, MONUSCO has already undertaken adjustments to its posture and operations. The Mission will continue to make such adjustments as may be required in the months ahead to ensure that it is well positioned to use the full range of tools and resources at its disposal to support the political and electoral process, contribute to the protection of civilians and assist with stabilization efforts. The Mission has provided its full support to the CENCO-led dialogue efforts and in the updating of the voter registry.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded at just over 60 per cent, putting pressure on the humanitarian community to respond to these new displacements. At the same time, refugees from South Sudan continue to cross into the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees having registered 28,000 refugees in areas close to the border by January of this year. As highlighted in the report of the Secretary- General, the 31 December agreement provides a clear path towards the holding of elections, setting the stage for MONUSCO's drawdown and exit.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The continued depreciation of the Congolese franc, which has lost over 30 per cent of its value in the past year, the lack of foreign-currency reserves and the fiscal shortfall are having an increasing impact on the livelihoods of Congolese citizens, and will continue to do so in the coming months. Those developments are coupled with a deteriorating humanitarian situation due to the intensifying violence. A total of2.2 million persons are currently forcibly displaced. In Tanganyika province alone, violence forced approximataely 102,000 persons into displacement in the last quarter of 2016, while the violence in the Kasais had displaced an estimated 225,000 persons by the end of January this year.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“For our part, MONUSCO remains fully engaged in protecting and promoting human rights and the political space and is strongly engaging with the relevant authorities on a regular basis to ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable for their actions and are brought to justice. MONUSCO is also strictly applying the United Nations human rights due diligence policy for any and all support provided to State security actors in the implementation of its mandate. I am also deeply concerned about the deteriorating socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“I am particularly concerned by reports of the excessive use of force, human rights violations and the presence mass graves in the Kasai provinces. I have encouraged the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to conduct thorough investigations and to ensure that the perpetrators of those acts are held to full account. MONUSCO of course stands ready to provide its full support for the carrying out of those investigations. I would like to emphasize again that only political solutions can address and halt the rising levels of violence now being witnessed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The increasing use of self-defence militias acting along ethnic lines points to a growing sense of insecurity and uncertainty. The risk of electoral violence also remains high, mainly in urban areas. The potential for violence is likely to increase further the longer the implementation of the 31 December agreement is stalled, thereby prolonging the current political uncertainty. The spread of violence has been characterized by a significant increase in human rights violations. The year 2016 witnessed a 30 per cent increase in human rights violations as compared to 2015, with MONUSCO documenting a total of 5,190 human rights violations throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo. State agents were responsible for 64 per cent of those violations, and armed groups were responsible for the remaining 36 per cent.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The conduct of coordinated operations by the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO against armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have helped maintain military pressure on the Allied Democratic Forces, the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda and the Force de resistance patriotique de l'Ituri, disrupting their activities. The FARDC has also been involved in actions against former M-23 elements who had recently crossed into the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The resurgence of violence in certain areas in the rest of the country has been exacerbated by the uncertain political situation, as well as the manipulation of grievances for political ends, and the provision of support to armed militias by some political actors.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“If authorized by the Security Council, MONUSCO is willing to provide technical and logistical support to the electoral process that goes beyond the updating of the voter registry. (spoke in English) The deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a source of major concern. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General, violence and threats to civilians are no longer concentrated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone. Community- based violence and inter-ethnic clashes have spread from areas already affected by armed conflict, such as the Kivus, to Tanganyika, the three Kasai provinces, Lomami and Kongo Central. Armed group activity in the east has also increased, particularly of late with the resurfacing of former elements of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23).”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“In addition, the Presidents of both houses of Parliament called for an irreversible and credible electoral process and expressed their support for the efforts of CENCO. Notwithstanding the delays in the political process, significant progress has been made in updating the voter registry. To date, more than 19 million voters have been enrolled, and the enrolment process is about to begin in the two remaining enrolment areas. The logistical and technical support of MONUSCO to the enrolment process will come to an end at the end of this month. At that time MONUSCO will have transported approximately 3,000 tons of enrolment material through the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“In February, some of the seminaries and parishes of the Catholic Church in Kananga, Kasai, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in Katanga were attacked, presumably because of increased frustration among certain segments of the population at seeing the political process stall. However, I wish to note that in the past few days the situation seems to be moving in the right direction. The appointment of the Deputy Secretary-General of the Union pour la democratie et le progres social, Felix Tshisekedi, as President of the Rassemblement, and of Pierre Lumbi, a representative of the Groupe des sept opposition coalition, to the head ofthe Conseil des sages of the Rassemblement resulted in the resumption of negotiations on the special provisions under the auspices of CENCO on 16 March.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“The ruling majority and the Rassemblement have opposing views on how to appoint the Prime Minister, as well as on the allocation of key roles in the Ministries for Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, Defence and Justice in the transitional Government that will be formed. The role that the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO) could play in the finalization of the special provisions is also a source of discord. The death of Etienne Tshisekedi had a significant impact on the political process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, further delaying the finalization of the special provisions, the appointment of the Prime Minister and the establishment of the national agreement and electoral process monitoring committee. As long as the political dialogue remains at an impasse, there is a risk that tensions will rise.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity you have offered me to speak to the Security Council today about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As emphasized in the report (S/2017/206) of the Secretary-General dated 10 March on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (8/2017/206), the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has undergone profound changes over the past months, thereby requiring an adjustment of the priorities and approach of MONUSCO. The full implementation of the political agreement of 31 December 2016, which paves the way, in the clearest possible manner, to the holding of elections, requires the full support of the United Nations. Some impediments will have to be removed.”
2017-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7903 (2017) · source
“MONUSCO will therefore continue in a determined manner in its coordinated operations with the Congolese Armed Forces against armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians in the eastern part of the country and with the Congolese police to strengthen the rule of law. On regional matters that impact the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I will also continue my close coordination and collaboration with Special Envoy Djinnit in our diplomatic efforts at regional level.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains cause for concern and could well be exacerbated by armed groups and criminal networks capitalizing on the political uncertainty at the national level, thereby compounding the risks faced by the civilian population. The spill-over effect of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, the growing number of South Sudanese refugees arriving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the presence of armed actors along the border between South Sudan the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also of increasing concern. We must continue to monitor those developments very closely.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“Iwould like to conclude by highlighting the fact that, in this period of political uncertainty, the deteriorating economic situation is also having an adverse impact on the stability of the country. Socioeconomic factors constitute an important potential trigger for violence during this period. I would therefore like to echo the Prime Minister-designate's personal appeal to me, when I met with him on 1 December, and his request for the international community's support as his Government intends to re-engage international financial institutions in that regard. Finally, we must be cautious that the focus on political events in Kinshasa and our preparations to mitigate election-related violence do not distract us from our operations against armed groups in the eastern part of the country.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“I would therefore like to encourage the members of the Council to reinforce the message that it conveyed to the Congolese political actors during their visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo last month, namely, that they remain primarily responsible and accountable for the peace and stability of their country. I hope that the Council might also express its appreciation for the efforts of CENCO to facilitate a detente between the Government and the Rassemblement. It is also important for the Council to urge the Prime Minister-designate, Mr. Samy Badibanga, to finalize his commitments with all stakeholders in order to form an inclusive transitional Government to promote a spirit of reconciliation and lead the country through a peaceful and stable transition period.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“My senior colleagues and I will continue to work with the Secretariat to address those challenges, and I am grateful for the support of the Council in those matters. Going forward, it is my hope that the efforts of CENCO, with the support of countries of the region, in particular the Republic of Angola and the Republic of Congo, will eventually broker a rapprochement between the presidential majority and the Rassemblement de l'opposition. Such a rapprochement would contribute to averting violence on 19 December and in the period immediately following, and in the medium term also contribute to a peaceful transition process required for a credible electoral process.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“Let me stress here that those efforts may not be fully sufficient to mitigate or respond adequately to any major outbreak of politically related violence. First and foremost, it is the political will of the main political actors that will determine how the existing and real tensions are managed and whether or not they degenerate into violence. Secondly, the force and police capabilities available to the Mission in Kinshasa are stretched thin. Furthermore, as the Mission fine-tunes its plans to ensure the safety and security ofits personnel and facilities, we are cognizant of the fact that there may well be requests from the diplomatic community and other actors present in Kinshasa for support, which would further stretch the Mission's limited capacities.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“Specifically, the Mission has reinforced its presence and coordination mechanism in Kinshasa to implement our protection of civilian mandates, within capacity, while the force and police continue to carry out day and night patrols in Kinshasa, as well as in other parts of the country. We have also established in Kinshasa, Goma and Lubumbashi three mobile teams to monitor and report on human rights violations and restrictions of political space. Those teams are designed to deploy into areas that are without a permanent MONUSCO presence but are deemed at high risk of politically driven violence. The Mission is also coordinating its plans with the United Nations country team, in particular with regard to the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilian populations that may be displaced by such violence.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“(Spoke in English) While we are steadfastly continuing our good offices engagement with the Government, the security services, political parties and civil society, we are now fast approaching the symbolic date of 19 December and the period going into early next year with a sense of apprehension. In that context and drawing lessons from the violent events of 19 and 20 September, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has further updated its contingency plans and is further adjusting its posture and deployment to mitigate politically driven violence and protect civilians, to the extent possible within its available resources and in its areas of deployment.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“The good offices led by CENCO since early November, with the endorsement of President Kabila and which had aroused great hope for a peaceful exit from the political impasse, seem or seemed to be fading. In complex situations, appearances can sometimes be misleading. The positions of the key players, namely, those of the presidential majority and the Rassemblement des forces politiques et sociales acquises au changement - known as the Rassemblement de l'opposition - appear not to have changed. The presidential majority continues to reject a second dialogue and the Rassemblement insists on a truly inclusive dialogue. A few moments ago I learned, through a presidential communique, that President Kabila just relaunched the CENCO initiative in person, called on it to pursue its mission and assured it of his full support.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the opportunity to speak to you and the Council about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo since your visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in November. My statement will focus on the political situation, with particular emphasis on the good offices undertaken by the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo (CENCO) and the arrangements made by the Mission with regard to the deadline of 19 December and the security situation in particular in the eastern part of the country. Two weeks after the constitutional end of President Kabila's second and last term, and more than six weeks after the signing of the comprehensive political agreement of 18 October, on peaceful, credible and transparent elections, the political situation remains uncertain.”
2016-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7826 (2016) · source
“(spoke in French) In conclusion, I should like to stress that the coming period will almost certainly be extremely difficult. The tipping point in the serious violence could be reached very quickly. I believe that the Council should remain actively seized of the situation and endeavour to hold regular exchanges with the Secretariat leadership and MONUSCO in coming months. I am very grateful for the opportunity given me to convey to the Council certain observations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I hope that together, along with the Congolese people, we can chart a more positive course for the country.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Secondly, the Government should be encouraged to undertake direct confidence-building measures with the opposition, including steps to ensure the rights of peaceful political activity are preserved and ensure direct engagement between President Kabila and the leadership of the Rassemblement, namely, Mr. Tshisekedi. Thirdly, there should be no impunity for any actor perpetrating political violence. Finally, the regional organizations, that is, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the Economic Community of Central African States, working in close consultation with the United Nations, need to engage more directly, including through efforts to designate a high-level emissary to help bridge the political divide.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“I have remained actively engaged with all of the national, regional and international stakeholders, and I believe there is a chance for the key parties to come together in a credible, inclusive manner. However, they will not do so without engagement by all of us, including the Security Council. I hope the Council will speak collectively and individually to reinforce the following key messages. First, the Rassemblement des forces politiques et sociales acquises au changement and other key stakeholders currently boycotting should be encouraged to return to the dialogue process.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“The Democratic Republic of Congo has entered a period of extreme risk to its stability. The electoral crisis has become a constitutional crisis, with deepening political polarization and no immediate resolution in sight. Actors on all sides appear more and more willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends, while the space for constructive political activity has shrunk still further. If that trajectory continues, I believe large-scale violence is all but inevitable. And while MONUSCO will do everything it can Within its mandate to protect civilians, the scope of the threats dramatically outstrip the Mission's capabilities. The only solution is for the parties to re-engage in an inclusive process that charts a peaceful path forward for the country.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“As I mentioned, population movements in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in particular have increased the risks to already vulnerable communities. That has stretched already strained humanitarian delivery systems beyond their means. I am pleased to report that the humanitarian community has brought life-saving assistance to more than 3.5 million people this year, but that still falls far short of those in urgent need. Currently, the 2016 humanitarian appeal of $690 million is only half funded. With continued displacements, an additional 350,000 refugees arriving from South Sudan and epidemics, such as the recent outbreak of cholera, we expect the needs to continue to grow in 2017. I hope the Council willjoin me in urging for greater support to those most in need in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“While the reintegration of ex-combatants into communities is an essential part of the DDR process, that move was taken before the Government and the World Bank-funded partners had adequately prepared. Without sufficient sensitization and preparation, there is a risk that those ex-combatants may cycle back into armed groups, or exacerbate already high tensions in communities where they return. MONUSCO has worked to implement its community violence-reduction programme to support the transition of ex-combatants back into civilian life. However, it is critical that the Government, the World Bank and implementing partners move quickly to put in place the necessary community reintegration measures, if further returns from the camps are to take place in a constructive manner.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“I believe the Security Council could usefully reinforce that message with the troop-contributing countries as we continue to work together to make the Mission more effective in its protection mandate. In the context of the continued violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I would like to highlight an immediate concern with regard to the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme. Following violence in the DDR camps in Kamina and Kitona over the summer, the Government initiated the return of more than 1,000 ex-combatants to communities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“In Eringeti, ongoing joint operations against ADF positions over the past several months have dislodged ADF elements from several key locations and allowed the FARDC to establish a more consistent presence in the affected areas. Those operations against the ADF have seen the FARDC in the front lines, supported closely by MONUSCO. The operations have cleared key ADF camps in the so- called triangle area and have disrupted their operations and supply lines. The challenge ahead will now be to consolidate the gains and assist the FARDC in building up its control in the area. Robust peacekeeping requires a proactive approach and looking to deter violence before it happens.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“In Beni, where protection threats are severe, MONUSCO has established a joint analysis-collection and early-warning cell, which brings together civilian, police and force elements to provide cross-cutting analysis and direction to the Mission's operations. This is a positive development that has already enhanced the Mission's response and effectiveness. We are looking to further develop those capacities to support the Mission's tailored strategies against all priority armed groups, including the newly mandated area of criminal networks in resolution 2277 (2016). In support of those strategies, MONUSCO has continued to carry out military operations against armed groups, based on solid cooperation between the force and the Forces arme'es de la Republique de'mocratique du Congo (FARDC).”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“In the Beni area, where a serious massacre took place in August, small-scale attacks on civilians by suspected elements of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have continued in recent weeks. Violence in the broader northern Lubero area has contributed to a surge of displacement, with more than 100,000 people displaced in the past three months alone. In that context, the protection of civilians remains the highest priority of MONUSCO, one that requires every component ofthe Mission to play a role. Ofcritical importance is the ability ofthe Mission to act quickly and effectively to early-warning threats of violence, based on a solid understanding of the dynamics of a given situation.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Also, MONUSCO will continue to impress upon the national authorities and security services the need to manage public order in accordance with the Constitution and international standards. An important effort will also continue to be dedicated to engaging all political actors on the need to find a peaceful resolution to differences linked to the electoral process and the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While much attention is currently focused on the political situation, I would like to highlight the fact that the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains very worrying and is characterized by severe protection-of- civilians risks in many communities. Those tensions are only increasing throughout the electoral period.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Throughout the past months I have worked with other stakeholders, including the diplomatic community, civil society and, importantly, the Church, to build bridges between the Facilitator - Mr. Kodjo - the presidential majority and opposition groups. I have also liaised closely with the Government to take confidence-building measures to create political space for dialogue, notably through the release of political prisoners and allowing media to operate without constraint. The Mission has also reinforced its presence in Kinshasa with additional assets, which will allow for a greater presence and improved monitoring of the situation. The Mission will continue monitoring closely and reporting on the political, security and human rights situation.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Here again, MONUSCO's presence in Kananga is very limited, and the force is not present, which is an additional risk to protecting civilians. Nonetheless, the Mission is actively monitoring the situation and has deployed a team of human rights and political affairs officers to better monitor, report on and analyse developments in the area. We have also engaged with political authorities, local leaders and members of civil society to find a peaceful solution to this crisis. For our part, we have consistently called for restraint on the part of all actors, including opposition members, and I have personally raised our concerns with my Government interlocutors about the role of State actors in the violence.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Unfortunately, in the immediate aftermath of the Clashes, MONUSCO was denied access to detention centres, several hospitals and morgues, making confirmation of the casualties and arrests difficult. Moreover, those demonstrations impacted civil and political rights in other parts of the country where demonstrators were also reportedly arbitrarily arrested and ill-treated by State agents. While not directly related to the electoral context, the situation prevailing in Kananga, the capital of Kasai Central province, is also a matter for serious concern, with reports of several clashes between militiamen affiliated to a traditional leader, including child soldiers, and State actors, which impinge on the human rights of the civilian population, including children's rights, causing widespread displacements.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“The United Nations has confirmed the killing of at least 49 civilians in the clashes that took place - 38 by gunshot - while others were burned alive or killed by machete. More than 140 civilians were injured, and there are unconfirmed reports of dozens of other casualties. Four police officers were also killed, allegedly by demonstrators, during the clashes. MONUSCO investigations have documented the involvement of State and non-State actors alike. We have also documented the involvement of the Garde republicaine in several instances of violence against civilians. There were hundreds of arrests reported, and more than 100 people were initially detained in a military camp before being transferred to State courts.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“This announcement has provoked strong protests from several political opposition parties that believe that Commission has been instrumentalized to keep President Joseph Kabila in power beyond the presidential term limits set out in the Constitution. On 4 October in Kinshasa, the Rassemblement held a conclave whose recommendations reiterate, inter alia, a call for the resignation of President Kabila on 19 December. The conclave also announced its intention to organize political demonstrations across the country on 19 October. (spoke in English) Against this background of political polarization, serious violence erupted on 19 and 20 September following large-scale demonstrations in Kinshasa and elsewhere.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“However, due to the boycott of the national dialogue by the opposition coalition known as the Rassemblement des forces politiques et sociales acquises au changement, and more recently the withdrawal of the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo from the dialogue, agreement on these issues has not been reached. Moreover, the dialogue process is not as inclusive as one might have hoped. In the course of one session of the national dialogue, the National Independent Electoral Commission announced that the holding of presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections in one day would not be technically possible until 18 November 2018, following the registration of voters to be completed 31 July 2017.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“Edem Kodjo, and the continued support of the United Nations and the international community for those efforts, progress in the national dialogue has been limited, although we have recently heard that developments are moving apace in the right direction. In September, Mr. Kodjo presented a proposal for consideration by the parties to reach agreement, first, on the duration of a political transition and the role of the outgoing President beyond the interim period; secondly, the establishment of a transitional Government and key portfolios; and thirdly, a date for the holding of the presidential election.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to speak on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I shall focus my remarks on the political, humanitarian and security situations, the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the support that the Security Council could offer to the collective efforts of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and international and regional partners. The political situation remains extremely fragile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which contributes to increased tensions, the ongoing contraction of the political space, and a very real risk that the situation could deteriorate further. Despite the efforts of the Facilitator appointed by the African Union, Mr.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7788 (2016) · source
“The Government has begun planning for the reinsertion and reintegration of thousands of demobilized ex-combatants in their home communities, efforts that should be commended and built on. (spoke in French) Lastly, it will be important to recognize the progress made by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on ending the recruitment of children into the armed forces and implementing the national plan aimed at combating sexual violence. I would like to thank the members of the Council and all Member States for their continued active support to MONUSCO. I also want to express my appreciation to the staff of MONUSCO and the United Nations who work in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“As outlined in the Secretary-General's letter of 16 December (S/2015/983) and the report before the Council today, the recommendation should be viewed as a concrete step forward in facilitating the strategic dialogue between the Mission and the Government, with a view to achieving a common goal - a gradual and progressive exit for MONUSCO that preserves the gains and investments made so far. Fourthly, military pressure will result in a sustainable outcome only if there is an effective, well-planned and nationally led DDR process that ensures that ex-combatants are processed back into their communities or countries of origin, while also ensuring that hazardous war materials are removed and stabilization efforts intensified.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“Thirdly, I count on the Council's support to the Secretary-General's recommendation to draw down an additional 1,700 military personnel. The recommendation takes into account the Mission's plans to transform the force and to take measures to address inefficiencies. Going on the projected capability and efficiency gains that the force transformation will bring, the assessment has been made that we can contemplate a further reduction in MONUSCO's military personnel without compromising the Mission's ability to implement its mandate to protect civilians, including by neutralizing armed groups.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“It will also be particularly important to identify clear and realistic conditions under which the United Nations could support a revision of the voting registry, which we believe would help enhance the process's credibility and prevent the issue from becoming another obstacle to timely elections. Secondly, I am optimistic that we can capitalize on the spirit of enhanced cooperation with the Government to make rapid progress on the priority armed groups, through improved cooperation between the Mission, the Government and the FARDC, and with the support of other partners. Neutralizing armed groups goes beyond military operations and Will require improved efforts to extend the State's authority and find durable solutions for former combatants.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“Under my leadership, MONUSCO will take all possible steps to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse, punish those responsible to the maximum extent possible and address the needs of victims and survivors. In conclusion, I would like to highlight four issues for the Council to consider as it finalizes MONUSCO'S new mandate. First, we need a credible and meaningful political dialogue to overcome the impasse in the electoral process. A strong message on the need for political consensus and an agreed-on, sustainable way forward will be important, while at the same time emphasizing the link between a credible electoral process and support for fundamental human rights.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“That approach, combined with increased aviation, surveillance and engineering capabilities, is designed to ensure enhanced responsiveness and the ability to implement a robust strategy for the protection of civilians in the coming period. IwouId also like to take this opportunity to stress the priority I have personally made of fully implementing MONUSCO's zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse. The Mission has reviewed its overall strategy and introduced a new mechanism aimed at ensuring that such exploitation and abuse can be reported more easily, as well as a comprehensive network for responding to and assisting victims.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“Working groups have been established to develop agreed-on criteria for measuring progress in that regard, and have already been working on that for the past 10 days or so. The process of force transformation is critical to establishing the conditions that will enable the Mission's drawdown and eventual withdrawal. Conducted effectively, that process will ensure that MONUSCO exercises greater operational capability in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, even as the force's overall numbers are gradually reduced. The core of the transformation is a more mobile and agile force based largely on the new rapid deployment battalions. The first of those arrived in the country last month and has already conducted rehearsal exercises.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source
“The planned resumption of coordinated operations between the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO is an important part of a broader effort to renew and deepen our partnership with the Government, recognizing that a principled, transparent partnership is key to effective implementation of our mandate. MONUSCO and the Government took concrete steps in the context of the strategic dialogue aimed at developing an agreed exit strategy for MONUSCO, in line with resolution 2211 (2015) and taking into account the political and security realities on the ground. MONUSCO and the Government are discussing a framework for the exit strategy, laying out a conditions-based approach for the Mission's further drawdown and eventual withdrawal.”
2016-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7654 (2016) · source