Coordinator of Group of Experts on Democratic Republic of Congo Presents Group’s Midterm Report

On 14 December 2016, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo met with the Coordinator of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo to discuss the midterm report of the Group submitted pursuant to paragraph 9 of resolution 2293 (2016). 

During the meeting, the Coordinator of the Group of Experts provided a synopsis of key elements raised in the report and shared recent developments.  He informed the members that armed groups continued to represent a threat for the population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and noted that the Group would continue to work on this issue and report to the members.  The Coordinator also stated the importance of the illegal exploitation of natural resources in financing armed groups in the country and emphasized the need for more accountability and an increased fight against impunity.  Along these lines, he urged the Committee to continue to take action, including by adding new names to the Committee’s sanctions list. 

Members of the Committee welcomed the meeting and expressed their support for the work of the Group.  They noted the importance of continuing to report on the matters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially issues related to armed groups activities, including their illegal exploiting of natural resources for financing and violations of international humanitarian law.