YouSaid · the spoken record

Zerrougui

lines on the record: 245
first: 2012-09-19
most recent: 2020-12-07
sittings or episodes: 19
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

“MONUSCO is at a critical juncture in the provision of support to the national authorities in shoring up stability, so as to usher in a lasting peace and development. I wish to pre-emptively thank the Council for its guidance in the upcoming steps of this vital work for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The Council can play a significant role in fostering a negotiated settlement to this political crisis so as to prioritize lasting solutions that place the interests of the Congolese people above short-term political goals that are liable to further heighten tensions. The Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot afford a grave institutional crisis. It needs stable and functional institutions that can get back to work as soon as possible, focusing on national economic recovery and stabilization in the eastern part of the country ahead of the general elections scheduled for 2023. To conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Security Council as well as the troop- and police-contributing countries for their steadfast commitment and their support for stabilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“As of today, a total of 173 MONUSCO personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, 153 have recovered and six have died after contracting the virus. In this difficult context, the Mission has made the utmost efforts to fulfil its mandate while continuing to ensure the safety and security of civilian staff and uniformed components. To make this possible, I have instructed the Mission to comply strictly with World Health Organization guidelines and put in place all possible measures to minimize the risk of contagion and to ensure that suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are managed adequately. (spoke in French) As was mentioned at the beginning of my remarks, the current political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is highly volatile.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“MONUSCO has also stepped up its engagement with relevant stakeholders to advocate for the establishment of the new framework to foster and supervise the disarmament, demobilization and community reintegration of ex-combatants and stands ready to increase its efforts to coordinate international support for security sector reform. My Deputy Special Representative and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator is leading our transition task force and has been charged with ensuring that the comparative advantages of all United Nations actors and partners are utilized to enhance complementarities, create positive synergies and avert possible gaps in programming and support for the Government. The global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected MONUSCO’s regular activities, as has been the case in other peacekeeping contexts.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“By June 2021, MONUSCO will withdraw completely from the Kasais, and by June 2022, should gains in stabilizations persist, it will also be in a position to withdraw from Tanganyika. Ultimately, the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with State authorities. The sustainability and tempo of MONUSCO’s transition is therefore dependent upon the Government’s capacity to assume security responsibilities and strengthen its institutional presence across the country. To that end, the Mission is already actively supporting the implementation of the Government’s national police reform plan and the joint justice reform plan recently signed between the Government and the United Nations Development Programme.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“That transition is not a process that started recently, but is, rather, a continuation of steps taken following the 2018 presidential elections and the subsequent peaceful transfer of power. Since then, MONUSCO has closed nine field offices and is currently present in only six provinces, in addition to the mission headquarters in Kinshasa. The joint strategy recognizes that the realities on the ground and security needs are different in each province where MONUSCO is still present. Therefore, it envisions a tailored approach through province-specific strategies that aim to progressively consolidate the Mission’s footprint in the three provinces most affected by active conflict, namely, North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The Mission also remains committed to working closely with the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the Southern African Development Community to ensure synergies and make certain that our joint investment in supporting regional stability brings about maximum results. The drawdown and ultimate withdrawal of MONUSCO from the Democratic Republic of the Congo figured prominently in our discussions with the Government in recent months. The result of those discussions is the joint strategy on the progressive and phased drawdown of MONUSCO, which was shared with the Council by the Secretary-General on 26 October. The joint strategy represents a common vision for the gradual, responsible and sustainable drawdown and exit of the Mission.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In that context, I salute the efforts undertaken by the Congolese authorities to engage constructively with the country’s neighbours to resolve their differences, foster regional economic cooperation and consolidate regional peace and stability. As President Tshilombo Tshisekedi approaches the beginning of his chairmanship of the African Union, those efforts will most likely be sustained in 2021. MONUSCO will continue to work closely with the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for the Great Lakes Region of Africa to support the Government in that respect, as one of the constituents of the United Nations Great Lakes regional stabilization strategy.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Protecting civilians also requires closing the space for actors perpetrating atrocities, by ensuring accountability for their crimes. The recent trial and conviction of Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka for war crimes, including rape, sexual slavery and the recruitment of children, therefore represents an important step forward for Congolese military justice in combating impunity. Some of the most serious challenges affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo — from the presence of foreign armed groups to the illegal exploitation of, and trafficking in, mineral resources — require regional and international efforts to achieve sustainable solutions.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The protection of civilians remains a central priority for MONUSCO, which it pursues through a whole-of-mission approach involving the civilian, military and police components. Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation in provinces affected by conflict, protecting civilians is also heavily dependent upon unimpeded access to those in need. I therefore strongly condemn recent unacceptable attacks against humanitarian workers who, despite numerous operational and security challenges, continue to assist vulnerable civilian populations. The ability of humanitarian workers to support the Congolese authorities is absolutely essential to relieve the suffering of victims of conflict and was key to ending the eleventh Ebola outbreak in Equateur province.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Indeed, while armed group activities persist in the Djugu and Irumu territories of Ituri, albeit recently at a reduced level, very serious incidents of intercommunal violence and attacks against civilians were once again recorded in the past month in the Beni, Masisi and Rutshuru territories of North Kivu, as well as in the Uvira, Mwenga and Fizi territories of South Kivu. The deadly activities of national and foreign armed groups in those territories serve to highlight the crucial role that the MONUSCO force, including the Force Intervention Brigade, needs to continue to play to support national security forces in expanding State authority and deterring violence against civilians.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“We will continue to use our good offices to facilitate a peaceful, early resolution of this sensitive political situation, which, if it persists, could have serious repercussions on the economic and security situation in the country in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic. (spoke in English) As far as the security situation is concerned, I remain concerned about the continuing protection crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where insecurity, grave violations of human rights and displacement continue to affect civilians, notably women and children.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Meanwhile, several civil society and opposition representatives welcomed the assessment of the country’s political situation by the Head of State and expressed their support for his approach. Unfortunately, today we must deplore the clashes between militants of the two political forces surrounding and within Parliament. In the light of those tensions, over the past month MONUSCO met with numerous representatives of the political forces and civil society to encourage them to resolve their differences through dialogue and avoid any actions that could incite violence. The Mission also stressed the need to focus their efforts on reaching agreement on stabilization policies and institutional reforms, which are essential to improving the security and daily lives of the Congolese people.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In that speech, the President announced the end of the coalition between the Cap pour le changement and the Front commun pour le Congo (FCC) and maintained that, in view of the loss of the current parliamentary majority, he had decided to appoint an adviser tasked with identifying a new majority ready to support his reform programme. He also stressed that, if that adviser were unable to identify a new parliamentary majority, he would proceed to dissolve the National Assembly and ask the Congolese people to give him a majority at the ballot box. As we speak, while noting the end of the coalition, as decided by the President, the FCC has rejected the analysis of a crisis between the Government and Parliament and described the decisions of the Head of State as unconstitutional.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for this further opportunity to provide the Security Council with an update on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the issuance of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/1150) before members today and prior to the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). We are unfortunately going through a period of heightened political tensions, marked by ongoing differences among the members of the ruling coalition. Six weeks after suspending the Council of Ministers and announcing the launch of consultations with a broad range of representatives of the political forces and civil society, President Tshilombo Tshisekedi addressed the nation yesterday afternoon.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Creating acceptance for the response remains a daily challenge in areas more recently affected by the virus. That serves to remind us of the importance of not only addressing Ebola, but also responding to the broader needs of the population, including safety, health-care, sanitation and education. That is in line with population's clear message sent during the electoral period, calling for sustainable development, health-care, education and, above all, peace. I reiterate the readiness of MONUSCO to assist the Government in supporting the protection of civilians, advancing stabilization and further strengthening key State institutions. We collectively need to take advantage of this wind of hope and navigate towards a future that corresponds to the hopes and expectations of the Congolese people.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“I strongly believe that that will impact on stability in the country, and I therefore call on the international community to support the Government in delivering on sustainable, locally anchored and flexible community- based approaches that will deliver justice and set the basis for long-term peacebuilding and development. I am encouraged by the overall downward trend in the number of new Ebola cases throughout September and early October. That is linked to the strengthened coordination of overall response efforts and an enhanced and integrated approach to create an environment conducive for the response and a sharper focus on building community acceptance to ensure full access to areas affected by the virus. We must, however, not waver in our support, as the battle is far from won.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“While further addressing the root causes of this conflict, MONUSCO places great emphasis on supporting the Government, including encouraging local and national mediation and reconciliation efforts and responding to incitement to ethnic hatred through target strategies against hate speech. The ongoing process involving the Force de resistance patriotique de l'Ituri illustrates that efforts to ensure conducive security contacts, coupled with sustained political and community engagement, can yield tangible results. Currently, more than 900 elements are pre-cantoned awaiting a peace agreement, expected to be concluded later this year. Besides those processes, the reintegration of former members of armed groups following the wave of voluntary surrenders in early 2019 remains a critical task.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“Another troubling incident occurred in the form of a cross-border attack by a FDLR splinter group in Kinigi village in Rwanda, resulting in civilian casualties and threatening regional stability and security. The expression of support from bilateral and multilateral partners of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a View to finding common security responses to the situation in the east of the country is therefore both timely and encouraging. I believe strongly that, in addition to addressing these security threats through military means, further strengthening the core function of the State, including through the professionalization of the defence and security sector and the empowerment of the judiciary, will enable the Government to better respond to these threats.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“A large number of armed groups - both national and foreign - including notably the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Nduma defense du Congo Renove (NDCR), the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (F DLR) and splinter groups, continue to exact an intolerable toll on civilians, adding to an already dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am particularly concerned regarding the level of brutality used against civilians in a number of recent incidents. The killing and post-mortem decapitation of 14 civilians, including ll children, in Bukatsele, Ituri, as well as reported cases of female genital mutilation in Fizi territory, South Kivu, are unacceptable and deeply troubling. We will make every effort to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and held accountable.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“(Spoke in English) The opportunities offered by the advent of a new political dispensation bring a wind of hope, as the Secretary-General said during his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yet seizing that opportunity is not without risks and challenges, and it must also urgently translate into sustainable improvement and relief for the many Congolese who continue to live in a state of insecurity, dependency on humanitarian aid and economic exclusion. As described in the report before the Council (S/2019/776), the recent escalation of intercommunal and armed group violence - at times running along ethnic lines - and egregious human rights violations have led to significant population displacements in several areas in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“The United Nations is working closely with the presidency, the Government and all Congolese institutions to help them to prioritize options for the consolidation of stability and ensure that the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), as well as agencies, funds and programmes, are aligned with national priorities, thereby serving to enhance their impact. While continuing to support the Congolese authorities in neutralizing the armed groups, which pose an unacceptable threat to the civilian population, we must together strengthen the sovereign functions of the State and its ability to manage the country by promoting the rule of law.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“It is now incumbent upon the entire Congolese political class to support that dynamic and work towards its consolidation. The establishment of the National Assembly, the Senate and provincial assemblies - the parliamentary sessions of which started last week - as well as the recent formation of the Government that l have just mentioned, mark the starting point for the consolidation of democracy in the country. Finding a balance in the functioning of those institutions remains fragile.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“I wish to thank the Security Council for having invited me to participate in today's discussion, which is taking place soon after the closing of the general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session, during which the Democratic Republic of Congo and the members of the Council themselves - its partners - were highly active. A new positive dynamic has been established that is likely to eventually lead the Democratic Republic of the Congo to lasting peace and stability, following the peaceful transition of power that we witnessed at the beginning of the year. Regional diplomatic initiatives have been launched. A coalition Government has been set up, with an ambitious agenda that aims to stabilize the country, improve its governance and lead it towards economic development.”
2019-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8638 (2019) · source
“I thank the Council for its support, while underscoring that the continued support of the Council and Member States for MONUSCO will be critical to the ultimate success of the Mission and its ability to exit the Democratic Republic of the Congo under the appropriate conditions.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“There is still a great deal of work that lies before us as we continue the process of charting MONUSCO's future drawdown and exit. I believe that the independent strategic review, which recently completed its information-gathering mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, will later this year present a report to the Council that outlines clearly the Challenges that remain in that regard. In the face of those issues, MONUSCO is making the best use of the funds made available to the Mission, even though our budgetary challenges are stretching our resources to the limit.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“The groups in question include the Kamuina Nsapu in the Kasais, as well as Mai Mai and Twa militia in South Kivu and Tanganyika. MONUSCO is working closely with the Congolese authorities to support their response to that opportunity, including by helping to mobilize funds from the World Bank and the Peacebuilding Fund. In the context of my good offices, I have placed a priority on encouraging the authorities to adopt a community integration approach for ex-combatants, advising against any broad-based plan to integrate them into the security forces. The broad integration of ex-combatants into the army and police forces in previous years has resulted only in the degradation of their capacities, the hijacking of security policy by parallel networks and the incentivizing of the creation of illegal armed groups.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“The Mission is supporting the Congolese authorities in executing an arrest warrant against NDC-R leader Guidon and strengthening the performance of Congolese justice to fight impunity. For their part, United Nations agencies are working under the coordination of my Deputy, who serves as the Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, to provide an effective response to the humanitarian crisis. MONUSCO is also providing political and logistical support to the newly appointed United Nations Ebola Emergency Response Coordinator. I would also like to draw the Council's attention to the opportunity presented by the increasing number of armed combatants who have expressed their willingness to lay down their weapons since President Tshisekedi's assumption of office.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“I would also like to underline the serious need for financing the response to other epidemiological and humanitarian crises that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing. The measles outbreak, for example, has already claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people since the beginning of this year, even more than Ebola. In response to those challenges, we are leading a One United Nations approach that combines a number of different tools. At both the national and provincial levels, we are engaging with a variety of stakeholders to defuse social and political tensions. Our military and police components continue to provide support to the Congolese security forces in efforts to secure the affected areas and adequately respond to the activities of armed groups.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“I take this opportunity to underline that the problems faced in eradicating that disease are not only epidemiological in nature; they are linked as well to a variety of political and social factors, including the activities of armed groups such as the ADF and Mai Mai, along with continuing high levels of community distrust ofthe response to the epidemic. That confluence of factors has resulted in a deadly environment for the people working to counter Ebola, to the point that some of them have been specifically threatened and killed by armed groups. I would like to thank countries and donors for their generosity, which has helped to fund the Ebola response, and I call on everyone to generously support the fourth strategic response plan for the Ebola virus disease, which was just presented to member States in Geneva last week.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“Important gaps remain. To date, 733,000 people are in need of assistance in Ituri province. In South Kivu, the surge of intercommunal violence and armed group activity has displaced up to 180,000 people, while the Ebola epidemic remains an ever-increasing concern and has claimed the lives of more than 1,700 people to date. Recent isolated cases, both in Goma and across the border in Uganda, have heightened concerns about its spread outside the Beni and Butembo areas, leading the World Health Organization to declare the epidemic a public health emergency of international concern.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“Armed groups in Masisi, including the Nduma defense du Congo-Renove (NDC-R) of Guidon Shimiray Mwissa, are responsible for atrocities, notably conflict-related sexual violence, committed against the population. Violence continues to be the main cause of humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a result, the country is currently facing simultaneous emergency situations, including mass displacement and protection threats. In Ituri, more than 350,000 people have been displaced in Djugu, Mahagi and Irumu territories following renewed violence. The deterioration of the security situation is interrupting the return process that had been gradually under way since 2018, causing new displacements towards Bunia and forcing the humanitarian community to reorient its assistance to the most vulnerable populations.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“That will permit us to concentrate our resources on providing support to the strengthening of State institutions and to the protection of civilians in areas where conflict and activities of armed groups continue to have a devastating impact on civilians. The report (S/2019/575) before the Council provides a detailed account of the security situation. Over the course of the past weeks, however, the level of violence has increased in several areas in the eastern part of the country. I am concerned in that regard with the current situation in Ituri province, where spoilers are seeking to exploit ethnic tensions in order to instigate intercommunal violence. In addition, attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continue to exact an intolerable toll on civilians.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“In recent months, I have met with key stakeholders in the process and urged them to preserve the gains made during the elections and the peaceful transfer of power and to make the necessary concessions to finalize the composition of the Government. I would also like to point out that we have seen constructive approaches at the local level, with significant initiatives to promote stability and development being taken by some governors. (spoke in English) In the context of the eventual exit of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), the Mission has closed a number of field offices in areas where there is no longer a serious threat of armed conflict.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“Although the Prime Minister was appointed on 20 May, we are still awaiting the formation of a new Government. Painstaking negotiations on that subject are continuing between the two platforms of the ruling coalition - the Cap pour le changement of President Tshisekedi and the Front commun pour le Congo of former President Joseph Kabila. We understand that the process is unprecedented for the country. Nevertheless, I call on stakeholders to overcome their differences so that they can quickly meet the expectations of the Congolese people. The absence of an operational Government is detrimental to the establishment of strong relationships with partners and the implementation of important governance and institutional reforms that could contribute to the consolidation of a transitional process that remains fragile.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“We have also noted a gradual improvement in relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighbours since the inauguration of President Tshisekedi. In keeping with his determination to transform the Great Lakes region into a haven of peace and development through the promotion of good neighbourly relations and regional economic integration, the Head of State is actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives with the countries of the region to achieve that goal. I will continue to work closely in that regard with the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region and with relevant regional organizations to support the Congolese authorities in implementing the commitments contained in the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“I welcome the opportunity to speak to the Council about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to brief you on the progress made in the post-electoral transition process and the main challenges we continue to face. More than six months after the December 2018 elections, it is a good moment to review the progress made and examine the political situation in the country. I believe that an impartial analysis of the current environment gives rise to both satisfaction and concern. I would like to reiterate the message of hope and optimism that I have consistently brought to the Council. President Tshisekedi has clearly expressed his intention to initiate bold reforms, which, if fully implemented, should lead to strengthening Congolese institutions and improving the living conditions of the Congolese people.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8584 (2019) · source
“We must support the Government in its efforts to honour the expectations of the Congolese population to advance political dialogue and collaboration and seize the opportunities we are now seeing for a sustainable reduction of armed groups in some areas.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Even areas not historically affected by armed conflict can prove fragile, and we must collectively encourage the Government to take measures to preventively address and mitigate the potential causes of violent conflict country-wide. The shocking violence in Yumbi in December 2018 -which, as documented by our Office, left at least 535 dead, 111 wounded, 19,000 displaced and many homes and livelihoods destroyed - is a troubling reminder of how quickly violence can escalate. In the light of the opportunities and the challenges that exist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at this time, I encourage the Security Council to continue to support the consolidation of that which has been achieved in the country in recent months and to support the country in addressing the remaining threats to peace and security.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“MONUSCO is supporting a reinforcement of the FARDC presence in the area, in addition to our own standing combat deployment and intercommunal mediation efforts. In these hotspots, the Government has shown a genuine willingness to respond quickly, although the capacity of national security forces must be further enhanced. However, in North and South Kivu, structural violence is profoundly entrenched and conflict dynamics related to identity, access to land and resources and regional issues have taken deep root in the fabric of everyday life. To sustainably address those drivers of insecurity, concentrated engagement will be needed in the period ahead, including with the region.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Following recent attacks against Ebola response centres in Butembo and Katwa, MONUSCO redeployed additional uniformed and civilian personnel to support the security of Ebola response staff and operations and efforts to address community resistance to the response. Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing in the area for upcoming national and provincial elections at the end of this month. We will be doing our utmost to prevent and mitigate any risk of violence throughout this politically sensitive period. In Minembwe, South Kivu, clashes have flared up between the militias oftwo communities, resulting in significant displacements ofthe population, with the potential of further deterioration.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“In North Kivu's Grand Nord region, where the now second-largest Ebola outbreak in history is ongoing, the Allied Democratic Forces and Mayi-Mayi elements continue to attack civilians and the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) alike, and in several cases, humanitarian workers and the personnel of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO'S force, including the Intervention Brigade, and the Mission's police component, are sparing no effort to protect civilians and to support the FARDC and the Police nationale congolaise in the provision of security, while our civilian teams are actively pursuing good offices, advocacy and dialogue initiatives at the local level.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Another current challenge will be to seize these opportunities in time by quickly identifying options for reintegrating these ex-combatants into their communities. The task will not be easy but it is urgent to act together here, in the field and in capitals to provide qualitative support to the Congolese authorities. We have noted other positive signs in this regard, including the reaffirmed will of regional actors at the level of States and organizations to tackle the root causes of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, we hope, thereby end it. (spoke in English) Despite the opportunities arising to achieve lasting peace and security in the country today, I remain concerned about several developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“These expectations of a better life, as embodied in easier access to education, care and employment, and an existence free from fear and threats, is one of the greatest challenges facing the authorities currently in place. I assure Council members that I continue to take to heart the mission of good offices that they have entrusted to me in order to support this political transition and thereby advance the peace and security agenda in the Republic. Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are now real opportunities to strengthen peace and security in several provinces of the country following the voluntary surrender of hundreds of fighters of armed groups or their expressed wish to do so, thanks to the change of presidential power.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Discussions for the formation of a new Government are currently under way between Front commun pour le Congo, which won the majority of legislative seats at the national and provincial levels, and the Cap pour le changement platform, which had supported the candidacy of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi. The two parties agreed last week on the upcoming appointment of aformateur, who will in fact be the future Prime Minister of the Republic. It is hoped that the new Government team will soon be established and operational and able to work according to the guidelines of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi's programme. Indeed, the expectations of the Congolese population are immense and it is crucial not to make them wait too long or to disappoint them.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“These statements of intent have been followed by concrete actions, especially with respect to the casing of tensions. Some political and opinion prisoners have just been released; meetings held across the country by the opposition leader and presidential candidate Martin Fayulu have unfolded without hindrance; and announcements have been made in favour of the return of political exiles. It is important to continue in this direction, especially by maintaining spaces for expression by the opposition, which we encourage to work closely with all political parties, the Congolese authorities and civil society.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“I should like to point out that the electoral process, which continues with the scheduled elections of governors and the holding of postponed polls in four constituencies owing to insecurity and the Ebola epidemic, is a decisive step towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nevertheless, the reactions of some political parties and their supporters to the results of last week's senatorial elections represent a challenge and reveal the fragility of the political process under way in the country. In his first public statements, the Head of State has pledged to work for the consolidation of peace, the rule of law and democracy, and the promotion and protection of human rights.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“Over the past year, the Council has invited me to brief it every month, and sometimes several times a month, and I thank you for it, Sir. Your interest has been commensurate with the stakes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Happily, my statement today shall be delivered in a context that is far more tranquil than was the case in December and January. The handover of power in the wake of the elections was the first in the recent history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and unrolled peacefully. I cannot fail to note that the results of the elections were contested by a segment of the opposition, but we can also say that the majority of Congolese welcomed the inauguration of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi with relief.”
2019-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8486 (2019) · source
“I continue to discharge my good offices by engaging with all Congolese stakeholders to reinforce the need for calm and recourse to establishedjudicial procedures, as well as to emphasize that a supreme sense of responsibility must prevail in the days ahead. Millions of Congolese women and men have demonstrated their commitment to the political process in their country and their determination to exercise their democratic right to vote. We must therefore show our collective solidarity with them as the electoral process is finalized and the Democratic Republic of the Congo prepares to undertake the first peaceful transfer of power in the country's history.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“In Kisangani and several locations in Kasai province, incidents of clashes and destruction have been reported, with injuries, arrests and possible deaths still being verified. The situation has also been tense in several communes in Kinshasa, following clashes between supporters of Lamuka and Cap pour le changement supporters, and in some cases also with the police. I deplore all such acts of violence and appeal to the Congolese people and security forces alike to exercise calm and restraint in this critical period. The week ahead may be characterized by a period of contestation and a judicial review of provisional presidential results, with the final results expected to be announced by the Constitutional Court within a week. The coming days are therefore critical to the conclusion of this historic electoral process.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source