Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Situação na República Democrática do Congo - 28 de setembro de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
September 28th, 2023
Madam President,
I welcome the delegations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, led by its Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the delegation of Rwanda. I thank Special Representative Bintou Keita and Ambassador Michel Biang for their briefings. I also thank the civil society briefer, Ms. Anny Modi, for providing important information on the situation and challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In that regard, we first reiterate our call for all armed groups to lay down their arms and for all external support for illegal armed groups to cease. Sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will only be achieved when its people are no longer subject to violence, massacres and forced displacement. That must be a priority, not only for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo but for all its neighbours.
While we welcome the holding of a ceasefire between the Government and the Mouvement du 23 mars, we are concerned by the ongoing fighting among armed groups, notably in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. We are alarmed by the increasing amount of displaced persons and the surge in reports of conflict-related sexual violence, as pointed out by the Secretary-General's most recent report (S/2023/691). The transition of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and future withdrawal of the Mission must take into consideration that complex background. The protection of civilians, a central aspect of MONUSCO’s mandate, must be ensured primarily by the Congolese Government as the Mission leaves. This task must also be a priority for regional forces acting on the terrain, such as the East African Community (EAC) regional forces, or that might be deployed in the future, such as the Southern African Development Community force. In this regard, Brazil reiterates its appreciation for the briefing provided by the Secretary General of the EAC on 26 September.
Madam President,
Brazil recognizes that a mission cannot, and should not, last forever. Yet, MONUSCO’s departure should be done responsibly, avoiding the risk of creating security vacuums and power struggles that will bring violence and human rights abuses against the population. The transition must be well coordinated with national and local authorities, neighbouring countries, as well as with regional and other external forces present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The role of the United Nations country team must be enhanced.
The security of United Nations personnel in the transition process must also be a priority for the Congolese Government. We condemn acts conducted against MONUSCO personnel and regret that civilian lives were lost in the recurrent protests against the Mission. And we emphasize, particularly, the importance of strategic communications in the Mission’s mandate to prevent attacks as those mentioned from happening again. I take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the work of Brazilian personnel who have served at MONUSCO.
Concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo's sanctions regime, Brazil reiterates its support for the work carried out by the Panel of Experts and the workplan for its current mandate. Brazil hopes that the electoral process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, due to be concluded in December, lead to further political stabilization and the enhancement of the security landscape in the country.
Thank you