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Remarks by Counselor Sun Zhiqiang at the UN Security Council Briefing on MONUSCO

2022-03-29 12:57

Madam President, 

I thank Special Representative Keita for the briefing, and I welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of the DRC at today's meeting. We are deeply worried about the missing MONUSCO helicopter, and hope that its whereabouts and the safety of its crew and passengers will be confirmed at the earliest. 

Recently, the security situation in eastern DRC has seen continued deterioration, with violence by armed groups getting more active and attacks on civilians, including the displaced persons, more frequent. China strongly condemns such incidents of violence, and supports the swift and strong Council response through the issuing of a press statement. We hope that the DRC Government, while implementing the state of siege in its eastern region, will enhance coordination with MONUSCO to effectively protect civilians. The safety of the lives and property of third country nationals should also be taken seriously and protected. We call upon the DRC Government to thoroughly investigate the egregious cases of armed looting, attacks and kidnappings, among others, and hold perpetrators accountable. 

Madam President, 

The causes for the prolonged turbulence in eastern DRC are intricate and complex, and will not be rooted out by military means alone. China supports the DRC Government in strengthening its governance capabilities, promoting reform in key sectors, implementing the PDDRC-S program, and exercising effective control of its eastern region. It is important to value the role of development in enhancing security, and make use of the advantages in natural resources to create jobs, improve livelihoods, and eliminate poverty, so as to break the vicious cycle of violence. Strengthening political mutual trust and engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation among countries of the region are conducive to the improvement of the security situation in eastern DRC. We welcome the successful convening of the summit of the 10th High-Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes region, and support MONUSCO in enhancing cooperation with the Special Envoy of the SG for the Great Lakes region, and playing a positive role in achieving peace and stability in the country and the region. 

Maintaining political stability in the DRC is essential to the country's peace and development. We note in the SG’s report that recently there have been some political volatility in the country and some controversy and challenges concerning the 2023 elections. China welcomes the commitment by President Tshisekedi to hold free, democratic and transparent elections within the constitutional timeframe. We welcome the adoption by CENI of the electoral roadmap, and call on all political leaders to overcome differences, maintain unity, and jointly advance specific matters, including electoral reform, and finalizing the electoral calendar and budget. 

The humanitarian and development needs of the DRC must not be ignored. Although the world today is not tranquil, with hotspot issues arising more frequently, the DRC and other Africa-related agenda items must not be marginalized. China strongly calls on the international community to ramp up its help and assistance to the DRC and other African countries. Recently, we have donated yet another batch of anti-pandemic supplies to the hospital of the University of Kinshasa, and will continue to contribute to peace and development of the DRC. 

Madam President, 

MONUSCO has played a vital role in maintaining security in the DRC. China appreciates the tireless efforts by the SRSG and the T/PCCs. The recent incident of a member of FARDC firing at the MONUSCO patrolling personnel is shocking. We hope that the DRC Government will investigate this, and strengthen the management of its military and police. 

As for the drawdown of MONUSCO, China supports MONUSCO in stepping up coordination with the DRC Government and the relevant UN agencies to advance the drawdown plan in an orderly and responsible manner, taking into account of the situation on the ground and the benchmarks for withdrawal. The drawdown progress report recently submitted to the Council by MONUSCO and the DRC Government is conducive to a better knowledge of the situation and the adjustment in due course of the progress of the drawdown. We hope to see this become a regular practice.

I thank you, Madam President.

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