Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at UNSC briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mme.President,
We thank SRSG Keita for the briefing. We welcome Permanent Representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to this meeting.
Deterioration of the security situation in eastern DR Congo raises utmost concern. We are worried about the violent fighting between the Congolese armed forces and M23 militia.
Due to resumed offensives, this group has regained virtually all the positions it voluntarily surrendered in March 2023 after the truce was declared. We condemn the shelling of populated areas and IDP camps, to which civilians have fallen victim. We call for the unblocking of the land supply routes to Goma. All these actions have already led to a humanitarian crisis and a rapid increase in the number of IDPs, who have exceeded 7 million people. It is clear that the situation in the eastern provinces of the DRC is having a negative impact on the entire Great Lakes Region.
We call on all the armed formations operating in the DR Congo to renounce violent methods, lay down arms and join the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program without preconditions.
We note the support that the Southern African Development Community is providing to Kinshasa in order to overcome the crisis. The joint efforts reflect a commitment to the principle "African solutions to the African problems". It is important to ensure the necessary level of coordination with MONUSCO and to identify effective modalities for working together to overcome instability. We are ready to discuss the parameters under which the Mission would be able to provide regional forces with a certain level of assistance.
At the same time, we believe that only political solutions will lead to a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and the creation of real conditions for sustainable stabilization. We attach fundamental importance to achieving concrete results within the framework of the Luanda process. It is important to intensify regional mediation to overcome tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali. We also believe it necessary to continue to combine complementary efforts and regional facilitation initiatives. It is clear that security and stability in eastern DR Congo is in the interest of all countries of the GLR. Any state-level interaction with paramilitary formations is completely contrary to these interests.
We support the work of MONUSCO and its leadership. We express our concern about the events in Kinshasa on 10 February, where a series of attacks against MONUSCO personnel took place. We trust that the Government of the DRC, in coordination with MONUSCO, will take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of UN personnel. We also expect the Secretariat to analyze the reasons for these developments.
We are convinced that MONUSCO’s presence in the conflict zone is an important stabilizing factor. When withdrawing peacekeepers, it is crucial to take into account the evolution of the situation on the ground and act in a responsible step-by-step manner. We must not allow any “security vacuum" to emerge. Premature withdrawal of peacekeepers could have a negative impact on the situation of the civilian population.
As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia will continue to do everything necessary to help resolve the crisis in eastern DR Congo, including at the crucial stage of MONUSCO's withdrawal.
Thank you.
