Challenges Loom Large in Democratic Republic of Congo, Says Secretary-General,

 

Pledging Continued Commitment to One of United Nations Most Complex Missions

 

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, partly delivered in French, to the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in New York on 18 May:

Thank you for your initiative.  I welcome this opportunity to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The UN effort in the DRC is one of our largest and most complex operations.  With the help of many partners, the Congolese people are rebuilding their country.  The UN remains committed to fully supporting these efforts.

Allow me to briefly address the four topics under discussion today.  First, security and the protection of civilians.  Security has improved in most of the DRC.  In the east, there is progress in dismantling foreign and Congolese armed groups.  This is a result of a combination of factors:  military operations conducted in accordance with MONUSCO’s [United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] conditionality policy; effective programmes to disarm, demobilize and repatriate foreign ex-combatants; efforts to extend State authority; and the DRC’s improved relations with neighbouring Great Lakes countries.

All of this must be sustained.  Foreign and Congolese armed groups continue to pose significant threats.  The humanitarian situation remains serious, with 1.7 million people displaced.  And, of course, human rights violations, including murders, sexual violence and the looting and burning of villages, continue to have large-scale humanitarian consequences.

The second topic, elections.  Properly conducted, transparent elections can ease tensions and build transparent and accountable institutions.  But they also entail risks, especially in societies divided by or recovering from conflict.  The presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for 28 November, followed by provincial and local elections, can help to further consolidate peace and stability.  These elections must be timely, transparent, credible, peaceful and secure, offering all Congolese a full opportunity to participate freely without fear of harassment and violence.  We must do our utmost to ensure that violence does not break out before, during, or after the elections.  We have invested much — and there is much to lose.

This is critical to ensuring the country’s continued progress.  I urge all Congolese stakeholders to work together to ensure that elections meet these basic conditions.  MONUSCO is expected to continue to provide logistical and technical

support, for which the Mission will require additional resources.  The Mission also stands ready to support the work of national and international election observers.  In addition, it will be critical to provide the necessary equipment to the Congolese police units that are being trained on electoral security by MONUSCO, France and the Government.

Third, rule of law, governance and institution-building.  Long-term peace, stability and development will require strong national institutions — accessible to all — that can provide basic services and, most fundamentally, security and rule of law.  I welcome the DRC Government’s increased leadership in addressing sexual violence, including the fight against impunity.  This has included strengthening the military justice system and prosecuting some of those accused of sexual and gender-based violence and other crimes.  Other advances include steps to establish special chambers to investigate and prosecute serious human rights violations.

However, I remain deeply troubled by ongoing reports of widespread sexual violence across the country.  I once again urge Congolese authorities to do more to put an end to such crimes.  The consequences of sexual violence are profound and far-reaching.  In addition to untold harm on victims, such violence deepens conflicts and worsens already dire conditions.  This is especially true when perpetrators go unpunished.  I urge international partners to provide necessary support for the Congolese national police, army and justice system, and to make identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators a priority.

At the same time, we must ensure that the victims of sexual violence receive the proper attention and care.  Pursuant to Security Council resolution 1888 (2009), we have deployed a team of experts that is working with national authorities to strengthen the rule of law.  The professionalization of the national security services and strengthening of the judiciary are essential for human rights, humanitarian access and the protection of civilians.  The cycle of impunity must end.

Fourth and finally, economic development.  There cannot be lasting stability in the DRC without economic recovery, reconstruction and development.  I am encouraged by emerging efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources — for example, through regional initiatives such as the Lusaka Summit convened by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.  These and other steps can support the DRC’s efforts to prevent acts that drive conflict and deprive the country of vital revenues.

The Congolese people should be proud of the gains of the last decade.  But the situation remains fragile.  The challenges loom large.  The successful conduct of credible elections will be a milestone on the road to stability.  I encourage the DRC Government, national stakeholders and the international community to jointly identify the priorities of the next phase and the nature of the United Nations support.  The UN remains committed to working closely with all partners to provide all possible support.  Thank you.

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