Statement by Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, Chair, Security Council 1533 (2004) Committee Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo

The following statement was issued today by Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta (Egypt), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

I am deeply saddened by the news concerning the death of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, the two members of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who went missing, along with four Congolese nationals, on 12 March 2017.  I convey my heartfelt condolences to Michael’s and Zaida’s families, loved ones and colleagues, and hope that the Congolese nationals will be found and returned safe to their families.

I had the honour to have known Michael and Zaida in person and enjoyed working closely with them in my capacity as the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Despite the numerous risks and challenges they faced, their profound courage, professionalism and dedication to their work were a source of inspiration to us all, as well as their utter devotion to the cause of realizing peace for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This tragic event is a painful reminder of the suffering endured by the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it will only sharpen the resolve of the Committee to continue its work with an unwavering commitment to support the cause of peace and putting an end to the violence in the country.

I’m confident that the Congolese authorities will conduct a swift, credible and thorough investigation, and in the incident of the occurrence of a criminal act, will bring the perpetrators to justice, and will fully cooperate with the United Nations in this regard.