UNSC briefing on Democratic Republic of the Congo

[31 May 2022; 1500 hrs]

Statement by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations

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Thank you Madam President.

Let me begin by thanking Assistant Secretary General Ms. Pobee, and Special Envoy of the Secretary General for the Great Lakes Region, Mr. Xia for their briefings on political and security developments concerning the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). I welcome the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Representatives of Rwanda and Uganda in today’s meeting.

2. The situation in eastern DRC has been worsening in the recent months, with increasing activities of the armed groups. This deteriorating situation risks undermining the political process currently underway. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), with the support of MONUSCO, have been making efforts to address the threat posed by armed groups. However, the M23 has been making significant inroads. We strongly condemn attacks perpetrated by the armed groups against civilians, security forces of the DRC and peacekeepers.

3. This has put enormous pressure on FARDC in discharging their primary responsibility to protect civilians. The Council must acknowledge that MONUSCO’s role is supportive and not aimed to replace FARDC. As such, there is an urgent need to match and enhance FARDC’s capacities to take on robust fire-power of the armed groups. This gap cannot and should not be bridged by “creative interpretation” of MONUSCO’s mandate. We need to ensure that each of MONUSCO’s contingents are equipped and also undertake mandated tasks only, and in this regard, we recall provisions of 29 (i) (e) of the UNSCR 2612. Also, we need to ensure that the safety and security of peacekeepers is not compromised under any circumstances.

4. The solution to the complex nature of the problem in eastern DRC cannot be found only through military means. In this context, we welcome and support the two-track roadmap decided at the Second Heads of State Conclave at Nairobi earlier this year. We also note the commitment shown by the leadership of countries in the region to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue. The call of the international community on all armed groups to lay down their arms and commit to this peace process needs to be followed up proactively.

5. It is imperative that links to sustenance of armed groups be broken at the source. For a long time now, we have been discussing how illegal exploitation and trade of natural resources in eastern DRC have fueled armed groups activity. Several reports by the Panel of Experts have described the mechanism in much detail. Greater commitment by DRC and the region will be needed to ensure that the mines are protected, regulations are strengthened, and regional partnerships further bolstered. The Khartoum conference has provided a useful framework and direction for the DRC and the region. The political leadership in the region has an extremely important role to play in seeking solutions through dialogue. Equally important is to ensure that MONUSCO is allowed to carry out its mandate, within the framework of what has been agreed by this Council.

I thank you.

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