(Note: The final summary of this meeting will be available at a later time.)
The Security Council met this morning to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Briefing the Council were Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Jacquie-Anna, National Technical Secretariat for the Implementation of UNSCR 2250.
Briefings
Statement by Bintou Keita to come.
JACQUIE-ANNA, civil society representative from the National Technical Secretariat for the Implementation of resolution 2250 (2015), said that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the third country in the world after Finland and Nigeria to have a national action plan to implement resolution 2250 (2015). The secretariat is a new structure that works tirelessly for the implementation of the women, peace and security agenda. Young people and women comprise a large proportion of the population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are the most vulnerable to the consequences of war. The secretariat’s mission is to promote young people at the decision-making table, she said, adding: “In a country with a high proportion of young people, ignoring and excluding them would be a suicide.”
For two decades, the aggression against the Democratic Republic of Congo by Rwanda — disguised as a rebellion known as the RCD, the CNDP, or the M23 terrorist group — has destroyed everything in its path. This has caused anxiety in young people who have lost all hope. It makes them fall prey to violent extremism and child recruitment. “A youth without education has known nothing but war, violence, and bloodshed,” exposed to abuses in refugee or displaced person camps where they are “stripped of everything”, she said. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has no more future, given that its youth are savagely destroyed by the effects of Rwanda’s war of aggression.
She detailed the use of rape and other forms of sexual abuse as a weapon of war by the Rwandan occupation army. The Congolese women in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo lost their dignity, with thousands of them living with the moral dilemma of having to kill their children who were conceived by rape. “How long will this situation last? How many women will have to be raped in front of their husbands and children, how many young people will have to see their future stolen from them and be recruited into armed groups?” she asked. The international community is good at beautiful speeches and rhetoric — however, “is anyone going to wake up and say no?”
Statements
The representative of France condemned the resumption of M23 offensives — as well as Rwanda’s support for that group, which must end without delay. The deployment of anti-air systems on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is “a new threshold crossed”, he observed, also condemning the actions of armed groups in the eastern part of that country. The territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected, and he pointed out that these events have exacerbated the humanitarian situation as another 500,000 people have been displaced in North Kivu since October 2023. Underscoring the importance of dialogue, he expressed support for regional efforts towards this end — especially those held in Angola — and underlined the need for a plan to disarm and demobilize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda. He also condemned attacks against MONUSCO, stressing that those responsible must be held accountable.
The representative of Malta, concerned by the alarming escalation of conflicts and displacement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, said armed groups must lay down their weapons. Their sophisticated weaponry also demands the Council’s serious attention. Concerned about attacks on MONUSCO, she called for prioritizing dialogue, including through the Luanda process. Welcoming recent electoral milestones, she pointed to irregularities in that process and noted the increasingly insecure environment. She noted age-verification assessments by the Mission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to prevent recruitment of child soldiers. “This essential endeavour must be sustained,” she said, through close collaboration between the Congolese authorities and UNICEF even after MONUSCO’s departure. Despite the country’s efforts to improve the human rights situation, the lifting of the moratorium on the death penalty is concerning. Any withdrawal of MONUSCO forces must be accompanied by the bolstering of national armed forces, she said, calling for the integration of gender analysis into the transition process, including through collaboration with civil society organizations.
The representative of Ecuador voiced concern over the humanitarian and security situation in the country, especially considering the gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO. Spotlighting reports of the use of sophisticated weapons and equipment — evidence of external military support to the M23 — he condemned that these weapons were used against United Nations peacekeepers. As well, the public threats of the M23 against MONUSCO and the dissemination of false information that seeks to discredit the Mission should be condemned. Calling for the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, he reiterated the need for humanitarian corridors to assist the 7 million displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On reports of possible war crimes, serious human rights abuses, and sexual and gender-based violence, he underscored that “the perpetrators of these crimes must not go unpunished”.
The representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, welcomed the holding of presidential, national, provincial legislative and partial communal elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 20 December 2023. He also noted the outcome of such elections, as well as the related appeals process contesting the results, and encouraged all stakeholders to abide by them in the interest of peace and national development. He encouraged national authorities, in the aftermath of elections, to facilitate a process of national reconciliation and to “uphold a governance system that reflects the national aspirations and character of the country”. He then expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, pointing out that prolonged armed violence has created significant challenges to the provision of humanitarian aid. Support for the 2024 humanitarian response plan — which is currently only 14 per cent funded — is crucial to addressing food insecurity and improving access to essential services.
Noting the approaching deadline for the completion of phase one of MONUSCO’s withdrawal — 30 April 2024 — he emphasized the importance of establishing a strong State presence in all areas from which the Mission will withdraw. “This is critical to avoid creating a security vacuum and to effectively administer these areas,” he said. Also stressing the need for the deployment of well-trained and equipped national defence and security forces to areas currently covered by MONUSCO, he stressed that the absence of these and other complementary measures “would only worsen the security and humanitarian situation in the DRC, as was the case with the withdrawal of the East African Community Regional Force”. Further, he expressed concern over the use of increasingly sophisticated weaponry by armed groups and demanded the cessation of any support by any external party to such groups. Among other points, he stressed the significance of maintaining and enforcing sanctions against those threatening the peace, security or stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The representative of China expressed concern about the escalating violence and border security incidents resulting in a large number of civilian casualties and displacement. Urging M23 and other armed groups to immediately stop fighting, he stressed the importance of dialogue and called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance. Countries of the Great Lakes region share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, he pointed out, adding that the international community should support their efforts to strengthen dialogue and manage conflicts. Highlighting in particular the mediation efforts made by Angola and Burundi, he said the United Nations should follow the approach of African solutions to African problems. Underlining the role of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, he called for more cooperation between the SADC Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO while expressing support for the latter’s disengagement plan.
The representative of the United States observed that the aggressive military incursion into the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by the UN-sanctioned M23 has put the Mission’s uniformed and civilian personnel under immense strain. Washington, D.C., supports MONUSCO’s peacekeepers who risk their lives daily to protect civilians and combat armed groups. He further condemned M23’s appalling human rights abuses — including sexual and gender-based violence — against civilians. The UN should immediately engage the Rwandan Government at the highest levels to underscore the importance of peacekeeper safety and security and re-evaluate Rwanda’s credibility as a constructive participant in peacekeeping. He also expressed concern about the capacity of the Congolese Armed Forces and national police to fill the security void, especially as violence in North Kivu threatens to spread further.
The representative of the Republic of Korea urged all armed groups — particularly M23 — to immediately cease their offensive in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the same time, all parties to the conflict must engage constructively in diplomatic dialogue to find a negotiated solution, and regional efforts — such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes — should be revitalized. He also condemned attacks targeting MONUSCO positions and assets. While reiterating that the primary responsibility for the safety of UN personnel rests with host States, he urged the Mission to continue its strategic communications with local communities to effectively address the sophisticated disinformation campaigns that fuel these attacks. Noting over 400 human rights violations predominantly linked to the conflict were reported monthly in 2023, and 6 million individuals have been displaced in the eastern provinces, he said: “The escalating human rights and humanitarian crises demand urgent attention.” Further, he commended the Mission’s role in supporting the electoral process, including through the delivery of electoral materials.
The representative of the Russian Federation, expressing concern over the escalation involving M23, stated that offensive action by that group must cease. He also condemned the shelling of population centres and camps for the internally displaced and called for the unblocking of land routes to Goma. Emphasizing that the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo directly impacts that in the Great Lakes Region, he said that settling the crisis is in regional countries’ interest. However, only political decisions will create genuine conditions for lasting stabilization. To that end, he urged intensified mediation efforts to overcome tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali and called for the cessation of “any kind of State interaction with illegal armed groups”. Adding that MONUSCO’s presence is an important stabilizing factor, he said — in light of its upcoming withdrawal — that, while a security vacuum cannot be allowed, the timetable the Council established must be followed.
The representative of the United Kingdom urged all parties to immediately end attacks on peacekeeping troops and deconflict activities to allow MONUSCO to fulfil its mandate. He warned that the Mission’s withdrawal from South Kivu risks leaving a security vacuum, urging the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to protect the civilian population, which is increasingly vulnerable to armed group attacks. He also condemned the actions of all armed groups, calling on external actors to end their support for violent armed groups in that country, including M23, whose activities have resulted in mass civilian displacement. “Without serious efforts on all sides to de-escalate and end hostilities, the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict will continue,” he cautioned, noting that London has pledged $126 million to be delivered through a three-year humanitarian programme to address this enormous need.
The representative of Switzerland condemned the recent attack on MONUSCO and wished a speedy recovery to the injured peacekeepers. Noting “incessant attacks by the ADF, CODECO and Zaire and ongoing clashes between the FARDC and the M23,” she said the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. Only a political solution can lead to lasting peace, she said, expressing concern about the possible transformation of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to a wider regional conflict. Calling on parties to resume negotiations, she welcomed the efforts made within the framework of the Luanda process. Calling on Rwanda to withdraw support to the M23, she highlighted that group’s change of tactics in North Kivu and said all efforts must be undertaken to protect the civilian population there. While the country has the primary responsibility to protect its civilians, it is also obliged to protect United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, she noted.
The representative of Slovenia said that the “alarming” escalation in the eastern part of the country is adding to insecurity and destabilization in the wider Great Lakes region. He condemned the M23 offensive in North Kivu, especially around Saké and Goma, stressing that “no military action can resolve the conflict”. M23 must immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied territories, in line with the Luanda road map, and all States must cease support to armed groups. Given the escalating security situation in North Kivu, the withdrawal of MONUSCO requires strategic planning. A safe, orderly, responsible, gradual and sustainable withdrawal that maintains a protective environment for civilians must remain the focus of the ongoing partnership between the host country and the UN. Synchronizing the deployment of Congolese national security forces with MONUSCO’s withdrawal is critical to ensure a seamless transition. He also pointed out that the withdrawal should be based on the prevailing conditions on the ground and the ability of national forces to assume responsibility for protecting civilians, especially women and children.
The representative of Japan, Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity to express regret over reports of the entry of large quantities of sophisticated weapons into the theatre of conflict, as well as of the alleged presence of disguised foreign troops. “Ongoing support of any kind, by any State, to M23 and any other armed groups must be stopped now,” she underscored, as it only exacerbates insecurity and increases the possibility of “all-out regional conflict”. Noting that the worsening security, human-rights and humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is making it more challenging to conduct a gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO, she stressed that the concurrent establishing of effective State authority is essential to avoid any security vacuum and ensure the rule of law. On that, she reported that her country continues to support the Government’s efforts to develop community policing.
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