General Assembly Security Council

UNSC briefing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

[Wednesday, 29 June 2022, 1000 hrs.; 1930 hrs.]

 

India Statement

 

Thank you, Mr. President.

 

Let me begin by thanking SRSG Bintou Keita for her briefing on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (MONUSCO) and related developments in the country. I also thank the briefer for sharing her insights, and welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in today’s meeting. 

 

2.    Since the last meeting of the Council on DRC in May, the security situation in eastern DRC continues to remain grim. Hundreds of civilians and many DRC security forces (FARDC) have been killed and injured. This resurgence of armed groups has also displaced thousands of families in eastern DRC. And MONUSCO tragically lost nine of its peacekeepers. India strongly condemns these dastardly attacks. This violence needs to end. 

 

3.    Resurgence of armed groups is not a new development in eastern DRC. Their operations have spiked in the past as well, particularly when military options were given prominence over political processes. We welcome recent endeavours to advance the political dialogue with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the third meeting under the Nairobi Process on 20 June. We also welcome the commitment expressed by the leaders of the region to DRC’s territorial integrity, and to finding a swift and lasting solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. 

 

4.    We reiterate the call of the regional Heads of State for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, as well as for intensification of the political process. These efforts can lead to positive outcomes only if all stakeholders work together purposefully. Those having influence over armed groups need to pursue them to lay down their arms and engage in the political process in good faith. 

 

5.    In this regard, we welcome the validation of the national strategy for Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization (P-DDRCS) by the DRC. This community-centric strategy is a step in the right direction: it gives provincial and local Congolese the flexibility to adapt the programme to the community’s needs. We welcome the appointment of the provincial coordinators and hope that the provincial plans will be operational soon. The success of the P-DDRCS will be very crucial for the broader political process underway. We urge MONUSCO to continue supporting DRC in these efforts. 

 

6.     Equally important for tackling persistent insecurity in the country is the swift conclusion of a fair and inclusive electoral process. We welcome the progress made by DRC authorities towards holding of the elections in 2023. We are hopeful that the differences expressed by certain stakeholders will be resolved peacefully and through dialogue. The holding of the gubernatorial elections in May and the election of three women as governors and one as vice-governor is encouraging.

 

7.    The inextricable link between illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources and instability in the eastern provinces of DRC cannot be overemphasized. Greater commitment by DRC and the region will be needed to ensure that the mines are protected, regulations are strengthened, and regional partnerships are bolstered. The Khartoum Conference of April this year has provided a useful framework and direction in this regard. We welcome the recent efforts at demilitarization of mining zones and the planned deployment of Mining Police by the DRC.

     

8.    In addition, the DRC continues to endure multiple endemic diseases including another outbreak of the Ebola virus in April. The humanitarian response plan targeting assistance for 8.8. million people has only received 15 percent of the $1.88 billion required. This will continue to need the attention and support of the international community.

 

Mr. President,

 

9.    We have noted the progress made towards realizing the 18 benchmarks and indicators of the Joint Transition Plan. A positive momentum is visible since the last briefing on this subject. We reiterate that the situation on the ground should guide MONUSCO’s eventual drawdown; to ensure that gains made in violence-prone provinces are stabilized firmly to avoid any reversal in the security situation. Strengthening of state authority, security organs and justice institutions remains paramount. The transition and eventual exit of MONUSCO must be gradual, responsible, and orderly. 

 

10.    India would like to reiterate again that MONUSCO’s role is supportive and not aimed to replace the Federal Armed Forces of DRC – the FADRC- in implementing the mandate to protect civilians. While there is an urgent need to enhance FARDC’s capabilities to take on the armed groups, a sustained offensive posture by MONUSCO is untenable. MONUSCO’s peacekeepers should be allowed to carry out the mandate within the framework of what has been agreed to by this Council. Also, it is imperative that each of MONUSCO’s contingents are suitably equipped as per the mandated role. In this regard, we recall provisions of 29 (i) (e) of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2612. The interpretation of peacekeeping mandates must have a strong legal basis. 

 

11.    We also reiterate that all components of a peacekeeping mission must be equally and impartially assessed given their inter-linkages. We continue to call for the implementation of Resolution 2589, especially the reporting requirement stipulated in OP4 (a) and (b) concerning prevention of and accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. We hope the next report will cover this aspect as well. 

 

12.    India’s long association with the DRC and its people dates back to the 1960s. A peaceful and stable DRC will contribute immensely to the peace and development of the region. The DRC leadership has shown resolve to address existing challenges, and the international community needs to take cognizance of the same and continue supporting the DRC government. India remains committed to assisting the DRC on its path towards lasting peace, stability, and development. Thank you, Mr. President.