Briefing by Chair of Security Council Sanctions Committee Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo on Visit to Region, United Arab Emirates

On 13 November 2017, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo briefed the members of the Committee on his trip, from 16 to 19 October, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and the United Arab Emirates.

The Chair informed the members that the trip took place against a backdrop of heightened insecurity and political impasse in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The question of the holding of elections was on the minds of many interlocutors during meetings with the Government and civil society organizations, as well as with United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) counterparts.  The Chair also noted that it was evident that members of the civil society whom the delegation met were increasingly aware of the impact of sanctions, and that it could positively influence the country’s situation.

Concerning certain key issues, the Chair further highlighted that he had stressed to Democratic Republic of the Congo officials the importance of credible national investigations and trials concerning the murder of Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalán.  He emphasized the need for the Government to collaborate with the newly established United Nations investigative team in this regard.  The Chair was also encouraged to obtain from the Presidential Advisor on Sexual Violence and Child Recruitment concrete examples of actions taken by the Democratic Republic of the Congo Government to reduce impunity concerning acts of sexual violence in the country.  Finally, in Dubai, the delegation was apprised of the concrete efforts made by the United Arab Emirates authorities to improve the implementation of United Nations sanctions measures and to combat trafficking of gold and natural resources.

Members of the Committee welcomed the visit and highlighted the necessity to use this visit as an opportunity to further cooperation with the countries visited.