Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on MONUSCO - December 9th, 2022

Thank you, Madame President,

I would like to thank Special Representative Bintou Keita, Dr. Peter Mathuki and Ms. Rebecca Kabuo for their insightful briefings.

Madame President,

Brazil proudly contributes to MONUSCO with peacekeepers, including the Force Commander, General Affonso da Costa, and a jungle warfare training team.

We, therefore, have followed with concern the resurgence of the M-23 and the consequent deterioration of the security situation in the Eastern DRC.

Particularly worrisome are the episodes of violence against the MONUSCO personnel and facilities, that resulted in the destruction and looting of equipment and, tragically, the death of peacekeepers and civilians alike.

Even though those acts of violence peaked during the riots last July, the hostility against UN presence continues to this day. Late last November, for instance, military and police advisers from Missions in New York were in a MONUSCO convoy in the Eastern DRC which was attacked with stones by an angry crowd. As a result, the group had to continue their voyage in an armored vehicle.

These actions are lamentable, all the more so because MONUSCO is present on the ground with the consent of the host country, in order to fulfill a mandate which has a number one priority the protection of civilians.

Madame President,

According to several reports, violence against peacekeepers in the DRC has been insufflated in a deliberate misinformation campaign by actors who believe they might benefit, in one way or the other, from the increased tension, either because they want to scapegoat 3 MONUSCO or because they tend to benefit from the early departure of the mission.

We bear in mind that the host country has the responsibility for providing a safe operating environment for blue helmets and blue berets. We take note of the cooperation between DRC authorities and MONUSCO to tackle such campaigns.

This is not to say that UN missions should be immune from criticism. MONUSCO, as other missions, has been active in reaching out to local authorities, civil society and the general public to provide information and to hear to local demands. What is unacceptable is the violence that prevents the mission from fulfilling its mandate.

We believe that MONUSCO’s emphasis in strategic communications is an important tool in order to dispel misinformation and generate trust in the local population.

We understand that the mission has been doing its utmost in this area, and reinforcements of its communications capabilities are under way. Brazil will work actively to emphasize this issue in the current MONUSCO renewal talks.

Brazil also believes that streamlined and clearer mandate can help prevent misunderstandings and the creation of unrealistic expectations.

Madame President,

The situation in the Eastern DRC offers the disheartening spectacle of a long running conflict whose impact in the lives of millions of civilians cannot be exaggerated. However, there are grounds for encouragement. I have in mind, in particular, the tireless efforts of regional actors – neighbouring countries and regional organizations alike – to the cause of bringing peace to the DRC.

Brazil commends, in this context, the diplomatic negotiations in the framework of the Luanda Process, facilitated by the Angola’s President João Gonçalves Lourenço, and the Nairobi Process, facilitated by former President Kenyatta. We take note of the deployment of the troops of the Regional Force of the East Africa Community. We emphasize the need for close and constant coordination and information sharing between the Regional Force, MONUSCO and the FARDC.

Madame President,

Peace missions do not – and should not – last indefinitely. However, their withdrawal should be done in a responsible and orderly way, in order to prevent the reversal of hard[1]won gains. We take note of the work of the Joint Working Group on the transition plan. We hope that the presence of the Regional Force, continued diplomatic efforts and the general elections next year will bring about progress in achieving the benchmarks set out in that plan.

I thank you.