The Security Council hears of continuing orders to end violence in eastern DRC
Bintou Keita, who also heads the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known as MONUSCOreported on unrest in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, especially the activities of four armed groups: ADF, M23, CODECO and Zaïre.
She welcomed efforts to quell violence there and in the wider region, and highlighted reconciliation efforts led by Angola, known as the Luanda process.
Action for lasting peace
The country will host a summit on December 15 with the leaders of Angola, Congo and Rwanda, marking an opportunity to highlight the significant progress made so far.
However, she emphasized that “although creating favorable conditions for Angola requires the steadfast support of both the international and regional communities, Local, provincial, national and regional processes need to be closely integrated to promote long-term peace and stability..”
Therefore, recommendations from armed groups, civil society and especially women, presented during the recent summit under the East Africa-led initiative known as the Nairobi process, “offers valuable opportunities in this regard”.
Always focus on stability
Ms. Keita emphasized other political developments in the DRC that have occurred since the elections held last year.
Authorities have initiated governance reforms to improve people’s purchasing power, increase access to basic social services, strengthen the security and defense apparatus, and strengthen the judicial system. and promote sound management of public funds and natural resources.
She encouraged stakeholders to “do it work together to avoid further tensions around possible Constitutional amendments and ensure the country stays on a path towards stability.”
Returning to the Luanda process, she commended the progress made regarding the ceasefire agreement signed in July between DRC and Rwanda, noting that the Enhanced Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism (R-AVM) to monitor the agreement was launched in the North Kivu capital, Goma, on 5 November.
Angola and MONUSCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 23 November to support the operation of the Mechanism. Days later, DRC and Rwanda signed the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) as part of a broader peace agreement.
Francine and her three children were forced to leave their village due to ongoing conflict in eastern DRC (file).
The eastern provinces are volatile
Ms Keita updated the Council on the security situation in Ituri and North Kivu which she said remained worrying.
The M23, which did not sign the ceasefire agreement, has increased its civilian and military occupation of North Kivu and now controls large swathes of territory, or double the area it controlled in 2012.
Meanwhile, the ADF remains the most dangerous armed group, having killed hundreds of civilians in recent months.
Fight for precious resources
Furthermore, although the number of attacks perpetrated by CODECO and Zaire against civilians in Ituri has decreased over the past three months, protecting civilians remains a challenge and a top priority.
“Still Too often, the map of violence matches the map of natural resources,” she continued, noting that M23 took control of a gold mine in Lubera, North Kivu, following an attack on Pinga in late October.
“I encourage countries in the Great Lakes region to do so coordinate the fight against illegal exploitation of natural resources and strengthen traceability mechanisms to weaken armed groups,” she said.
Conflict, climate and displacement
Meanwhile, the prevailing security environment continues to aggravate the humanitarian situation in DRC, which is further exacerbated by growing climate change challenges.
Humanitarian organizations report that nearly 6.4 million people are currently displaced by armed conflict and disasters, and multiple epidemics have also worsened the situation.
Ms. Keita pointed to an “encouraging development”. She said the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for the DRC is just over 50% funded, with $1.28 billion disbursed out of a total of $2.6 billion – a significant improvement from $940 million received last year.
Gender-based violence
As Tuesday marks the end of the school year every year 16-day global campaignn to draw attention to violence against women, she highlighted that more than 90,000 cases of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation have been recorded in the DRC since the beginning of the year. Almost half – 39,000 people – are in North Kivu alone.
“While prevention efforts should continue to significantly reduce the number of infections, I welcome the DRC Government’s efforts to combat impunity – especially through compensation funds, pursuing the identification of victims and considering financial or in-kind compensation, individually or collectively,” she said.
In this context, Ms. Keita reiterated her firm commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel.
Women call for peace
She also said hello International Criminal Court (ICC) for its decision to renew investigative efforts in the DRC, with a priority focus on crimes alleged to have occurred in North Kivu since January 2022.
Ms. Keita concluded her remarks by amplifying the voices of women and people with disabilities she recently met at a displacement site in North Kivu, who called for greater investment in their well-being.
“Together, women, people with disabilities, youth and children are united in the call to restore lasting peace in eastern DRC so they can return to their homes and schools properly,” she said. “royal”.
