Security ‘one of the most important challenges’ in DR Congo, the Security Council has heard
“In the past weeks, the security situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly”, said Special Representative Bintou Keita, noting that since October, the rebel group M23 has resumed fighting and expanded its control in the North Kivu region.
support support
In response, MONUSCO has continued to provide operational, logistical, and strategic support to both the Congolese armed forces and the national police in the face of M23 and other armed groups.
Strong patrols have been carried out in and around Goma to protect civilians and prevent M23 from advancing further into the city, he said.
And the Ministry added more local alert networks in vulnerable areas.
Serious crimes
The head of MONUSCO described “extensive” allegations of human rights abuses by M23 forces in Kishishe and Bambo, Rutshuru region, and in North Kivu, in which at least 102 men, 17 women and 12 children were “perhaps killed or killed by the blade. weapon”.
Moreover, he continued, M23 fighters raped at least 22 women, destroyed four schools and occupied two others.
“I call on this Committee to condemn these crimes with the utmost gravity…[and] demand the immediate release of the survivors who are prevented from leaving the area via the M23,” he stressed.
“Those responsible for these and other crimes against citizens must be prosecuted nationally or internationally.”
Crimes affect UN activities
The deteriorating security situation also poses risks for MONUSCO operations.
The top UN official pointed to a military attack on the base of the Mission in Minembwe, South Kivu, that claimed the life of a peacekeeper in September.
“I condemn this attack, the perpetrators of which must be prosecuted with the greatest integrity”, he said.
M23 fighters are heading to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The humanitarian crisis is ongoing
Mrs. Keita pointed to armed groups as the main reason why the DRC hosts the highest number of displaced people in Africa.
“An estimated 370,000 people have been displaced and forced from their homes in the latest round of fighting, including M23,” he continued, adding that inter-communal violence in the western regions had also led to the displacement of more than 50,000, mostly. women and children.
“In this dangerous environment, and despite persistent access obstacles… humanitarian actors continue to provide essential aid and rescue operations”, the MONUSCO chief continued, urging partners to “continue to actively support” Humanitarian Response and North Kivu response plans.
Diplomacy at work
The senior UN official was updated on the increased regional initiatives supporting the Luanda road and the progress made in the area of the Nairobi Protocol.
“Since April 2022, the Mission has provided political, technical, and material support to the joint DRC-Kenya Secretariat” to conduct consultations between the Government and Congolese armed groups, he said.
Mini Summit
Mrs. Keita told the delegates of a Mini Conference held last month in Luanda, during which we agreed on measures to deal with the situation in eastern DRC and considered the operational role for MONUSCO, in coordination with the Regional East African Community (EAC). Power and the ad hoc verification system.
He said “First and foremost, the M23 must stop all fighting and withdraw from the territories it has taken in accordance with the road map set out in the Conclusion of the Luanda Mini Summit”, he said, adding that the DRC Government has formally request MONUSCO’s involvement in the implementation of the guidelines. communiqué.
“I reiterate the Mission’s readiness to use its available capabilities in support of ongoing regional peace initiatives…[and] hope to further engage with the DRC Government and regional partners to clarify the role of the Mission in efforts to translate the decisions taken in the process of Luanda and Nairobi into reality on the ground”, he concluded.
