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

“While the results were greeted by scenes ofj oy in some strongholds of the Union pour la nation congolaise and the Union pour la de'mocratie et le progres social, many Lamuka supporters received the news with a sense of disbelief. Regrettably, serious security incidents were noted in several locations. Most concerning, in Kwilu province, violent protests reportedly left at least 12 dead, including two national police lynched and 10 civilians killed by live ammunition, as well as significant damage to public property. Our teams are in the process of deploying to Kikwit, where MONUSCO has no presence, to ascertain further details and engage with a view to de-escalating tensions.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Felix Tshisekedi is in first place, followed by Mr. Martin Fayulu and Mr. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary. That message was preceded by the announcement of the provisional results of the provincial elections. (spoke in English) Reactions to the Commission electorale nationale independante's announcement were swift and varied. Mr. Tshisekedi welcomed his victory and vowed to be a President for all Congolese. Although the Front commun pour le Congo stated that it would respect the Commission's results, the Lamuka coalition denounced what it called electoral fraud, with the potential to provoke disorder throughout the country.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“All agreed that those difficulties had not, however, hindered the freedom of movement of citizens or the exercise of their right to vote. The waiting period for the publication of the provisional results, which was extended by three days, was also calm. Once again, I was greatly impressed by the patience shown by Congolese men and women, who were anxious to preserve and protect the expression of their votes, but above all fully aware of the importance of those elections for the future of their country. I used that time to meet with the country's President and the main stakeholders in the electoral process to convey the importance of ensuring calm in anticipation of the publication of the provisional results, which were announced overnight on Wednesday to Thursday and which, for the presidential election, Mr.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“Millions of Congolese went to the polls, often with fervour and, in the vast majority of cases, voting took place peacefully as voters went to choose their future President and their national and provincial representatives. I would like to congratulate them on the impressive maturity they showed on that long- awaited election day and since then. I also commend the work done by the Commission e'lectorale nationale independante, as well as the election observers. All national and international observation missions, as well as the teams of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) that are deployed in the field, reported in their preliminary reports that the elections were conducted correctly despite technical, logistical and security problems.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“I would like to welcome the representatives of the five countries that have just joined the Security Council, including your own, Mr. President. While in principle our discussions were supposed to focus on the latest quarterly report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2019/6), I will limit my remarks to the most recent facts. The implementation of the electoral process is entering its final stages. The elections initially announced for 23 December were finally held on 30 December throughout the national territory, with the exception of the cities of Beni and Butembo in North Kivu and Yumbi in Mai-Ndombe province, where the Commission electorale nationale independante decided to postpone them to next March for health and security reasons.”
2019-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8443 (2019) · source
“It is in that dynamic context that we move towards the long-awaited elections in just over one month's time. Our collective focus must now be on ensuring the credibility of the process. It is ofparamount importance that candidates have equal access to political space during the campaign period and that restrictions on peaceful demonstrations are lifted consistently throughout the country. Further progress in the implementation of confidence-building measures and the existence of a level political playing field throughout the campaign period leading up to 23 December will significantly enhance the credibility of polls and contribute to post- electoral stability. I will continue to advocate with all parties in that regard. I count on the members of the Council to support our efforts and to convey the same messages in the coming weeks.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“It will be especially important for the Government to take steps in the coming weeks to secure polls, particularly to ensure the participation of women, who make up 50 per cent of registered voters. Thirdly, we are also carefully watching the situation in the Kasais, following the forced return of Congolese migrants from Angola. Given the pace of returns, the limited capacity to receive returnees on the ground and the difficulties they face in returning home, there is a possibility for ethnic tension to flare up in certain areas of the Kasais. Despite the remoteness of the area, in which the Mission has a very limited footprint, MONUSCO has been providing support to humanitarian partners and engaging with Congolese and regional actors to advocate for a more measured pace of return.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The Mission will continue its support to Ebola efforts as a matter of the utmost priority while also taking into account a gendered response lens. Our teams on the ground are providing extensive logistical and protection support to partners and are engaging with local authorities and communities to encourage their acceptance of response efforts. Secondly, there is potential for armed group interference in elections in specific areas throughout eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - particularly in Tanganyika, South Kivu and the Grand and Petit Nord areas of North Kivu. Armed group violence in those key provinces could affect the secure deployment of electoral material and may prevent certain parts of the population from voting on election day, thereby impacting the inclusivity of the process.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The recent visit by the Director-General of the World Health Organization and the Under-Secretary-General of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations helped to underscore the commendable results that can be achieved through coordinated efforts. Teams from the Ministry ofHealth, the World Health Organization and other humanitarian partners are doing a remarkable job, with the support of MONUSCO. However, we are still seeing a growing number of cases in the major population centres of Beni and Butembo, as well as significant community resistance to response efforts. Women are disproportionately affected, representing about 60 per cent of all probable and confirmed cases, due to a number of factors, including their roles as caregivers of the diseased.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“First, I have grown increasingly alarmed over the situation in Beni in recent months, where we continue to face major challenges in implementing our mandate. As I mentioned to the Council during my previous briefing (see S/PV.8370), civilians, the Forces armees de la Republique De'mocratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO alike are being targeted by the Allied Democratic Forces and Mayi-Mayi groups. Despite FARDC efforts and the Mission's robust patrolling and ongoing joint operations - the latest of which started yesterday - the attacks continue and are increasingly taking place near the centre of the town of Beni. As members know, we are not only facing security challenges in Beni, but also supporting a major Ebola response effort.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“I am also appealing to the Congolese authorities to ensure that the freedoms of expression and demonstration - which are the prerequisites for the establishment of a democratic debate - are respected. Elections that are accepted by the broadest possible majority ofCongolese men and women will mark a major turning point in the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by contributing to the strengthening of institutions, peacebuilding, democratic gains and the sustainable development of the country. (spoke in English) These long-awaited elections will take place in a volatile security environment in many parts of the country. Allow me to highlight several of our biggest concerns today.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The opposition also condemns what it regards as the alleged use of State resources for the benefit of the candidate of the Front commun pour le Congo. There is still much progress to be made to create an environment conducive to credible elections. It is precisely for that reason that I am sparing no effort in my good offices. I have initiated meetings with all the candidates for the presidential election and, in each of my encounters, I have insisted on the need to demonstrate tolerance and a patriotic spirit in order to reach consensus on their differences so as not to miss the opportunity to make the 23 December elections a veritable success.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“Similarly, the Conference e'piscopale nationale du Congo (CENCO) will hold its fifty-seventh plenary assembly from 20 to 22 November in Kinshasa, also in order to evaluate the electoral process. It is worth noting that, in a recent interview with international press, the Vice-President of CENCO and new Archbishop of Kinshasa, Monsignor Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, emphasized the need to reach consensus with regard to the voting machines so that that element does not constitute an obstacle to the holding of elections. In spite of this dynamic that is setting the course for the elections on 23 December, the opposition is concerned about the narrowing of the political space, including the impossibility of holding meetings throughout the country and a lack of equitable access to public media.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also expressed its desire to deploy an electoral observation mission. That commitment at the regional level was reinforced by two high-level visits last week in Kinshasa: one by the SADC Electoral Advisory Council and one by the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security. In order to contribute to the holding of peaceful elections, a platform made up of various religious leaders - through the Commission for Integrity and Electoral Mediation - has just organized a forum for peace and reconciliation with the aim of bringing participants together to sign an act of commitment for the holding of peaceful, credible and transparent elections.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The Government reported that it had disbursed $322.2 million to the Independent National Electoral Commission on 23 October, with the latter announcing that it had been provided the means for ground and air transport and was ready to distribute election materials throughout the country in time for the 23 December elections. In addition, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the training of approximately 600,000 election workers is under way so as to ensure the smooth operation of 75,563 polling stations at more than 23,000 different sites. Although the accreditation process for witnesses, observers and journalists has begun, Congolese civil- society organizations have announced their intention to deploy thousands of observers on the ground so as to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“In response to their challenges, the leaders of the UDPS and the UNC announced their parties' withdrawal from the agreement signed the day before. Concerning the Front commun pour le Congo, it has just made public the team that will support the campaign of its candidate - Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary - whose programme should be unveiled on 15 November. At the same time, preparations for the holding of elections continue. On 31 October, President Joseph Kabila Kabange chaired an inter-institutional meeting to assess the electoral process, in which the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), as a partner organization, was invitedto participate.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The main opposition candidates for the presidential elections agreed on a single candidate on Sunday in Geneva. After a three-day conclave facilitated by the Kofi Annan Foundation, they appointed Martin Fayulu to represent them within a new coalition called Lamuka, which means "Wake up!" in Lingala. The coalition announced that a public meeting would be held in Kinshasa in the near future to introduce the joint opposition candidate, an agreed programme and the campaign staff. The choice of Martin Fayqu, however, as the joint presidential opposition candidate has given rise to strong opposition among the militant elements of the Union pour la democratie et Ie progres social (UDPS) and the Union pour la nation congolaise (UNC).”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“I thank the members of the Security Council for this opportunity to brief them on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the latest developments with regard to the electoral process under way and the implementation of the 31 December 2016 agreement. The scheduled holding ofpresidential and legislative elections at the national and provincial levels is fast approaching, as we are now only nine days away from the beginning of the official campaign and less than six weeks away from the scheduled date of elections on 23 December. It should be noted that, despite continuing differences, in particular with regard to the use of voting machines and the reliability of the voter registry, all stakeholders remain firmly committed to the electoral process.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“Mukwege and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will mark a turning point in obtaining assistance for the thousands of victims of sexual violence and in the fight against impunity against the perpetrators of such violence. MONUSCO continues to stand with them in this noble and indispensable struggle.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Denis Mukwege and, through him, to all women and girls of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are victims of sexual violence. I take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Mukwege on being awarded the Prize for his fight against sexual violence in times of war. This award honours him and the women and girls he has cared for, who pay a heavy price for the turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape is used as a weapon of war. In South Kivu province, the cradle of the Panzi Foundation, as in the other provinces affected by insecurity, sexual violence continues to be perpetrated daily by parties to the conflict. We hope that this award to Dr.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Although we continue to engage on these issues with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I must unfortunately inform the Council that discussions have not yet yielded tangible results. This increasingly places our forces in a situation where they are inadequately resourced to ensure the security of our own personnel, protect civilians and ensure preparedness for contingency planning, as requested by the Council in the latest MONUSCO mandate. (Spoke in French) Despite all these challenges, we remain optimistic and continue to make every effort, together with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to ensure that this process is successful. The international community has sent a positive message by awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to Dr.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“In addition to the efforts of our Intervention Brigade, I am equally encouraged to report that our broader force shows a willing mindset to deploy where it is most needed to ensure the protection of civilians, and to note the integration of our response efforts across our uniformed and civilian components and in support of humanitarian partners. It is therefore unfortunate that, even within this concerning security context, we face challenges in ensuring that our military personnel are as well prepared as they should be and able to undertake operations within the full spectrum of the mandate. In recent weeks, we have faced increasing restrictions on the importation of arms, ammunition and other military equipment for several of our contingents, including our incoming rapidly deployable battalions.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“While the response of the Congolese authorities and humanitarian partners, supported by MONUSCO, has been swift and exemplary, the security situation has rendered the response increasingly challenging. In some areas, the local population has shown mistrust towards Ebola responders, in one case attacking a convoy of health workers. Responders are currently grappling with the issue of simultaneously scaling up response efforts both in Beni and in other nearby areas, while adapting their footprint to the deteriorating security situation. In these cases, as in many places throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our uniformed and civilian colleagues undertake significant efforts and risks on a daily basis to implement our mandate to protect civilians and provide security for humanitarian personnel.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Despite the rate of attacks, our Intervention Brigade has taken an increasingly robust posture in recent months under exemplary leadership. They undertake proactive long-range patrols to ensure a protective environment and respond swiftly to alerts, in several recent cases repelling attacks as they are under way - most recently, just two days ago. The growing frequency and proximity to Beni town of these attacks are, understandably, leading to frustration on the part of the local population. In this context, we are simultaneously stretched to respond to an outbreak of Ebola in the Beni health zone and surrounding areas, now including a town neighbouring Uganda. I am increasingly concerned about the trajectory of the disease. As of today, we have 194 confirmed or probable cases and 120 deaths.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“With potential links to political and economic interests and a possibility of reprisal attacks, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) immediately deployed a standing combat deployment, together with civilian components, to prevent any further deterioration. However, I am most concerned about current developments in Beni, in the Grand Nord of North Kivu. Presumed Allied Democratic Forces continue to stage near-daily attacks on civilians, the Forces armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO, increasingly close to the centre of Beni town. I wish to acknowledge the high toll borne by the FARDC in the context of this deteriorating situation.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“To that end, we recommend the establishment of electoral security mechanisms and strategic coordination of the various national defence and security entities. (Spoke in English) As the Democratic Republic of the Congo moves towards elections, the complexity of the security situation and the continuing activities of armed groups in the east of the country continue to pose a major challenge to the protection of civilians. To cite just one recent alarming example, in the Petit Nord of North Kivu at least 14 people - including a woman and three children - were killed by alleged Nyatura combatants this week.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Such signs are encouraging, and I will continue my good offices efforts in that regard to help create an environment that allows candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in conditions that foster the sharing of ideas and opinions. Applying similar rules for all involved is a fundamental guarantee of the credibility of the entire process. Ensuring the security of the elections is another prerequisite for credible and peaceful elections. It is important to ensure the security not only of the candidates for the upcoming elections, but also and above all of the environment in which the campaign and the actual polls. The task of securing the areas in which armed groups - who are increasingly using the political agenda for the benefit of their own interests - are stationed promises to be a difficult one.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“In the context of the implementation of the measures to ease tensions that were outlined in the political agreement of 31 December 2016, it should be noted that the public meeting organized on 29 September in Kinshasa by seven main opposition parties took place without challenges or major incidents. I welcome the peaceful nature of the event and the restraint shown by the demonstrators and the security services. We have also just learned that an agreement has been reached between the authorities and the opposition to hold a march on 13 October in Lubumbashi, which would be the first of its kind in the capital of Haut- Katanga province.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“I also welcome the publication of the recommendations of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which aim to clarify some of the concerns raised about the voting machines. With regard to the setting up and distribution of the voting machines and electoral material, the President of the Commission has assured us that the first set of voting machines was received last Friday at the port of Matadi. He added that delivery would continue in the coming weeks. The machines and other material must now be transported to the rest of the Congo, which, since the rainy season has just begun and given the relatively short deadline of 23 December, represents a major logistical challenge.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“It is therefore essential that the main Congolese stakeholders reach consensus on those issues so as not to compromise the acceptance of election results. It is in that spirit that I am determined to continue my mission of good offices. On 4 October, the Independent National Electoral Commission met with the 21 presidential candidates to discuss differences on critical aspects of organization of the elections. A technical committee to continue the dialogue on the subject was set up, with its first meeting having been held yesterday. Regrettably, it ended with major differences of opinion. I welcome the Commission's awareness-raising effort and urge the joint forum to reach consensus on the points of contention.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Iwould like to take this opportunity to commend the constructive stance of political actors on all sides, who have been consistent in demonstrating their continued engagement in the electoral process, including following the decisions of the Constitutional Court, which resulted in some leaders of the political opposition being disqualified from standing as candidates in the presidential elections. At the same time, as Council members heard repeatedly in Kinshasa, the main opposition leaders have a strong mistrust of the process in general. Nonetheless, they have remained committed to it thus far. In particular, they are calling for doing away with the voting machines and for the electoral register to be updated.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“With two and a half months remaining before the national and provincial presidential and legislative elections, the electoral process is unfolding according to the electoral calendar. As Council members noted, decisive steps have been taken. The electoral law has been revised; the electoral register has been prepared and submitted for auditing; 21 candidates have been validated as candidates vying for the presidency, 15,505 as candidates for the National Assembly and 19,640 as candidates for the provincial assemblies. However, regrettably, although more than 50 per cent of voters are women, the percentage of female candidates is not more than 12 per cent of the total number of candidates in the legislative and provincial elections and there is only one female candidate in the presidential elections.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“I thank the Security Council for this opportunity to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to thank the Council for its visit to Kinshasa this past weekend despite its busy agenda. The visit was very useful for several reasons - for the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo and the Congolese, but also for our partners and, lastly, for ourselves. Through discussions with the major actors involved in the ongoing political and electoral process, the visit provided a unique opportunity for Council members to observe at first-hand the situation on the ground, stakeholder engagement and the progress already made, as well as unresolved areas of disagreement.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“(spoke in French) It is in that context that I reiterate my call on all stakeholders, in particular the Congolese authorities, to ensure that the elections on 23 December are credible and peaceful in order to allow for the first peaceable transition of power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is an essential step on the path to stability and development in the country. In conclusion, I take this opportunity to reiterate that MONUSCO stands ready to provide support for the elections, if need be.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“It is also imperative that respect for fundamental rights and freedoms be assured throughout the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a consistent manner, so that, moving forward, all Congolese citizens can participate freely and fairly in all stages of the electoral process. Failure to allow for political engagement and participation, as foreseen by the Congolese Constitution, could jeopardize the peaceful nature and the credibility of the polls.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“The activities of armed groups, the Mai Mai and militia could have an impact both on the final preparations for elections and on election day itself. While ensuring that the security of the elections remains the primary responsibility of the Government, MONUSCO will remain fully engaged in all areas of its operations to support activities of the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in preventing and mitigating the activities of such groups. With fewer than four months to go before elections are held, it is clear that the required levels of confidence and consensus around key issues must still be built.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“In that regard, supporting women candidates who will run in the elections and ensuring that women can vote freely and safely on election day is key. The continued instances of targeted repression and intimidation of political activists and human rights defenders in certain provinces, as well as other restrictions on political space, do not instil confidence. Therefore, I continue to call for the lifting of the general ban on public demonstrations and upholding the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are crucial to making meaningful progress as elections draw nearer. As elections approach, the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is also of concern.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Any impression that the Independent National Electoral Commission may have gone beyond its remit in the interpretation of the electoral law in determining the eligibility of candidates to stand in the elections would only undermine confidence in the process as a whole. It is hoped that the decisions ofthe Constitutional Court will help to resolve any ambiguities and instil confidence. The scrupulous applicability of the Constitution and electoral law is therefore key to moving forward. The meaningful inclusion of a greater number of women in the electoral process is a priority if the spirit of resolution 1325 (2000) is to find meaning in the current political context of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and if women are to play a role in the newly elected Government and legislatures, which resolution 1325 (2000) foresees.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Of course, I remain determined to continue using my good offices to find solutions that build the confidence necessary for peaceful and inclusive elections. (spoke in English) The perceived credibility of the electoral process remains a key concern. The ongoing process of review and contestation, in particular of presidential candidates, by the Constitutional Court will be key to the legitimacy of the electoral process going forward. A lack of confidence or a perceived lack of credibility in the Independent National Electoral Commission or in the decisions of the Constitutional Court would serve only to heighten tensions in the process.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“The Independent National Electoral Commission is accused of having overstepped its boundaries by excluding candidates on the basis of interpretations of electoral law, which, according to those concerned, falls within the exclusive competence of the Constitutional Court. The contestation process is under way and the final lists of candidates are expected to be published on 19 September after appeals are considered by the Constitutional Court. The lack ofconsensus on the use ofvoting machines and the failure to publish the final list of voters also remain two areas of maj or contention among the various stakeholders. I can only encourage those stakeholders to build on the constructive approach they took during the nomination period in order to pursue dialogue on those issues and resolve their differences.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“As I have informed the Council in previous statements, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Congolese authorities have repeatedly indicated that such logistical support would not be sought and that the Democratic Republic of the Congo wished to organize its elections without external logistical or financial support. Despite the progress made and the assurances of the Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission that elections will be held on 23 December, the period ahead will be marked by challenges and intense political consultations. The publication of the provisional list of candidates for the presidential and legislative elections has raised challenges and questions within the Congolese political class and society.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“The proportion of women candidacies has not changed since 2011, remaining at approximately 12 per cent of the total, or 2,318 for the provincial elections, 1,784 for the national legislative elections and none for the presidential election following the disqualification by the Independent National Electoral Commission of the only woman candidate. In accordance with its mandate, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) continues to provide technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission in the organization of elections. The Mission also stands ready to provide logistical support to the process, should the Commission request it.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Finally, it should be noted that, despite criteria within the revised electoral law that are deemed to be more restrictive, a large number of candidacies were registered. According to the final list submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, 19,640 candidates were registered for the provincial elections, while the provisional lists show 19 candidates for the presidential election and 15,222 candidates declared admissible out of the 15,505 candidates for the national legislative elections.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“Katumbi's lawyers that the issue be referred to the Conseil d'Etat to the demand by opposition leaders, the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo and the President of the Senate for his candidacy to be allowed to go forward. Thirdly, according to the provisional list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission on 24 August, six of the 25 candidates for the presidential election were disqualified on various grounds, including the loss of nationality of origin, conflict of interest and a conviction for witness interference. They are Senator Jean-Pierre Bemba, three former prime ministers - Adolphe Muzito, Antoine Gizenga and Samy Badibanga - as well as Jean-Paul Moka-Ngolo and Marie Jose'e Ifoku.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“That phase of filing candidacies for the presidential and legislative elections has been marked by several events that warrant underlining. First, President Kabila Kabange honoured his commitment not to stand for a third term. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary was nominated as the sole candidate of the Majorite presidentielle under the banner of the Front commun pour le Congo. Secondly, the President of the Ensemble pour le changement platform, Moise Katumbi, was not able to submit his candidacy as he wished, since he was not able to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo before the deadline of 8 August. Various reactions followed, ranging from the request by Mr.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank the Security Council for affording me the opportunity to brief it on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly the latest developments in the electoral process under way in the country. As I have already reported to the Council (see S/PV.8318), while preparations are ongoing for the upcoming presidential and national and provincial legislative elections, tangible progress has been seen in adhering to the critical stages of the calendar of the Independent National Electoral Commission. All political parties and groupings of the Majorite presidentielle and the opposition have put forward candidates for the three ballots within the timetable foreseen by the calendar, which is an important step towards holding the elections on 23 December.”
2018-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8331 (2018) · source
“As such, I must emphasize the importance of our collective work, as the United Nations and the international community, in preventing electoral violence and ensuring the process remains on track. (spoke in French) The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at a crossroads. That is why I call on all stakeholders to seize this historic opportunity to enable the holding of inclusive, transparent and credible elections on 23 December in order to offer a more stable future to the country and its people.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“The General Assembly recently approved a budget reduced by $38.8 million compared to the Secretary- General's proposal - a significant reduction that further compounds the impact on our operational ability following last year's budget cuts. I do not mention that to make a plea for more resources; we all know the new financial reality facing all peacekeeping missions. I highlight it because it is important that we collectively understand that while MONUSCO's resources continue to shrink, its mandate remains the same and expectations only continue to grow. We will therefore be limited in our ability to respond to all emerging protection risks, particularly in densely populated urban areas or in areas where we have no presence.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“In my visits to the eastern part of the country last week, I listened to members of our staff voice their increasing concerns about the security situation and their safety resulting from their work with the United Nations. While I am working to enhance our staff's safety and security, such events are a constant reminder of the risks that staff and troops face every day in support of MONUSCO's mandate. In this volatile context, the stakes for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the region's future stability, are high. In the coming months, MONUSCO will operate in an increasingly tense environment, while faced with high expectations. However, as Council members are aware, we will navigate through that period with fewer resources.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“Those deployments are a realization of our protection-through-projection approach, thereby showing that results are possible where logistical capability and the right troop mindset exists. In Ituri, as elsewhere in the country, although MONUSCO's efforts can help protect civilians and mitigate the risk of further deterioration, root causes need to be addressed by Congolese authorities. In that security context, I note with concern that MONUSCO personnel are increasingly targeted. Our troops in the Beni area have been attacked several times, as the Council is aware. We have also recently experienced a number of staff abductions, the most recent of which was only this past week in Uvira.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source