UNSC Briefing and Consultations on MONUSCO

(Democratic Republic of Congo)

[Tuesday, 29 March 2022, 1000 hrs, EST]

Let me begin by thanking SRSG Bintou Keita for her update on United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of The Congo, the MONUSCO, and the developments in the country. I also thank Ms. Lea Babite for providing civil society insights. I also welcome the Representative of the DRC to today’s meeting.

2. India’s peacekeeping contributions to the DR Congo date back to 1960, when our peacekeepers helped in orderly withdrawal of colonial forces and establishment of a national government. Since then, 51 of our soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice, the highest by any TCC in keeping the peace in the DRC. As the second largest troop contributor to MONUSCO, with over 2,000 personnel, India takes keen interest in the operations of MONUSCO as well as developments in the DRC.

3. India expresses serious concern over the crash of a MONUSCO helicopter which was on a reconnaissance mission earlier today near Rutshuru. We pray for the wellbeing of the crew and passengers. We look forward to an update by SRSG on this.

4. Madam President, I will therefore focus my remarks on the two main objectives concerning MONUSCO’s mandate, i.e., protection of civilians, and support to the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions in the DRC and to key governance and security reforms.

5. The primary responsibility to protect civilians’ rests with the Government of the DRC. MONUSCO’s role is to supplement these efforts, including in its areas of deployment. In this regard, we note that the persistent violence and insecurity in the DRC’s eastern provinces, mainly in Ituri, Grand Nord area in North Kivu; and parts of South Kivu, is a cause of concern. CODECO, ADF and other armed groups continue to be active, killing scores of civilians, attacking government security forces and UN peacekeepers. The Islamic State Central Africa Province has also claimed responsibility for the 25 December IED attack in Beni, which had the bearings of a typical terror attack. We strongly condemn these attacks and offer our condolences to families of the victims.

6. The established links of ADF to terror groups and the potential spread of terrorism to the Central African region is a cause for concern. The DRC authorities have been raising the issue of presence of terrorists operating under the cover of FDLR and ADF in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema. This needs to be taken seriously. We welcome the enhanced regional efforts between the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda to combat armed groups in eastern DRC. We also underscore the critical need of regular tripartite coordination between MONUSCO, UPDF and FARDC during the military operations, especially at the tactical level.

7. We take note of the ongoing preparations towards withdrawal of MONUSCO from Tanganyika by June 2022. A successful drawdown from Tanganyika as per the timeline would further boost MONUSCO’s own plans for rationalizing the resources and focusing on the three eastern provinces.

8. We have noted the steps taken in implementation of the Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Community Stabilization (P-DDRCS) against the benchmarks, and the establishment of the provincial coordination mechanism. Tangible progress of this programme, with equal and meaningful participation of women at all stages of the programme’s implementation, will be crucial part of the peace and stability that we eventually hope to be established in the Eastern DRC. We encourage MONUSCO to continue its support to the government of the DRC in security sector and judicial reforms.

9. Regarding MONUSCO’s operations on the ground, we believe greater clarity on the interpretation of the mandate, in respect of Force Intervention Brigade and other battalions is important. This will help TCCs to have clear understanding of operations to be undertaken and to equip appropriately. It is especially important from the point of view of safety and security of peacekeepers.

10. The DRC authorities have made progress towards holding of elections, by way of appointments to the National Independent Electoral Commission [CENI]; presentation of electoral road map and requisite draft legislations. We welcome these developments, while noting the challenges in the roadmap. We encourage all stakeholders to keep up the positive momentum and create an enabling environment for the holding of peaceful, inclusive, and transparent elections.

11. India also welcomes the DRC President assuming the role of Chairperson of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and congratulate the entry of DRC into the EAC as a full member. We believe that this will help continue DRC’s continued leadership and engagement with its neighbours and the wider Central African region. We also welcome the convening of the Tenth High Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism at Kinshasa on 24 February. The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework has enabled countries in the region to collaborate and work together to eliminate negative forces operating within the region. We firmly believe that this framework remains the key architecture to usher in and safeguard lasting peace and stability in the region.

12. In conclusion, Madam President, a peaceful and stable DRC will contribute immensely to overall development of the region. This potential is visible as we witness increased partnership and cooperation within the regional stakeholders. The DRC leadership has shown firm resolve to address existing challenges, and the international community needs to take cognizance of the same and continue supporting the DRC government. On our part, India will remain steadfast in supporting the people of DRC. I thank you.

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