S/PV.8498 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2019/263, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by France. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2019/159, which contains a letter dated 15 February 2019 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council, and document S/2019/218, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2463 (2019). I shall now make a statement in my capacity as Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. France welcomes the adoption of resolution 2463 (2019), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). By unanimously adopting it, the Security Council has again demonstrated its unity on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. First of all, I would like to highlight the progress made by the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the road to stability and democracy. The December elections, held with the support of MONUSCO, enabled the peaceful transfer of power with the election of Félix Tshilombo Tshisekedi. I would like to pay tribute to all Congolese, as they have been patient in exercising their right to vote and in expressing their desire for change and the transfer of power, even after elections had been postponed for two years. Those elections are an important step. I would like to stress that the United Nations has played an important role in such progress. In 20 years, the United Nations Observer Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO have stood resolutely with the Democratic Republic of Congo. We take note of recent developments and invite the country to go further in the exercise of its sovereignty. Nevertheless, and this is the reason for the mandate renewal, MONUSCO’s action is still essential for meeting existing security challenges, in particular those posed by armed groups in the east of the country. The mandate that has just been adopted marks a transition. The nine-month period will allow the Secretariat time to conduct a strategic review of the Mission, with the objective of gaining a better understanding of issues and needs and adapting the Mission’s mandate accordingly. It will then give the Security Council, as well as the Secretariat, time for discussions with the Congolese authorities. We are all convinced that a country that hosts a peacekeeping operation on its soil must have a voice. In that regard, I welcome President Tshisekedi’s commitment to greater cooperation with the Mission. Lastly, the nine-month period will allow us to reflect on what happens after — a gradual disengagement that goes hand in hand with the effective exercise of the full sovereignty of the State over the entire territory. Two priorities have been identified for the mandate: the protection of those under greatest threat and support for the stabilization and strengthening of institutions. To implement them, we will rely on the full and exemplary commitment of MONUSCO’s military, police and civilian personnel, who work with the armed and domestic security forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council strongly encourages MONUSCO to use the mandate to implement the internal reforms it has already initiated. The Mission made initial adjustments, which were necessary. It must become increasingly responsive and mobile, in particular the Intervention Brigade, whose robust mandate helps in effectively combating armed groups. Considerable challenges remain, of course, but I hope that the mandate will lead to significant progress. It is particularly essential in the east of the country, in terms of combating armed groups, in particular the Allied Democratic Forces. That is a genuine concern that requires enhanced regional cooperation. The issue of security in the east is inseparable from the fight against the Ebola epidemic, since armed groups disrupt humanitarian efforts in a manner that is cause for serious concern. The fight against Ebola is one of the elements of the protection of civilians mission of the new mandate. Above and beyond the situation in the east, we believe that the election of Mr. Tshisekedi provides a window of opportunity to address, through disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes, the issue of armed groups continuing their abuses in the Kasai region and Ituri, in particular. We will continue to support the Congolese authorities on all of those issues, as we have always done. Lastly, I would like to point out that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms ensures peace, stability and confidence. Such criteria are vital to ensuring that the Democratic Republic of Congo will approach its future with a renewed sense of calm. President Tshisekedi’s initial commitments on that issue are very encouraging. I welcome them. I would mention in particular the release of those imprisoned for political reasons and of measures taken to open up the public space. In our view, those are the conditions under which MONUSCO will be able to fulfil its peace mission and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will continue to make progress on the path of sovereignty. Rest assured of France’s commitment in that regard. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to the other members of the Council who wish to make statements. I call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2463 (2019), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). We congratulate the French penholder for the excellent work done, which made compromise possible in the ongoing quest for a result. As part of the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate, which takes place in a post-election environment marked by the need for stabilization in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as mentioned, resolution 2463 (2019) assigns two priorities to the Mission: the protection of civilians and support for the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions, governance and reform of the security sector. In view of the fragility of the situation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo needs the support of the international community, in particular the United Nations, to ensure the protection of civilians against all forms of violence and guarantee peacebuilding and stability in the country. It is understood that it is not intended for MONUSCO to remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That is why resolution 2463 (2019) provides for an independent strategic review of the Mission within nine months, in order to develop a phased and gradual exit strategy, with the agreement of country’s authorities. Côte d’Ivoire reiterates its full support to MONUSCO personnel and encourages the Mission to continue its efforts with a view to restoring peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I call on the Minister for Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa.

We thank the French delegation in its capacity as penholder for its tireless efforts and commitment in facilitating resolution 2463 (2019), which we adopted today. The renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is a significant undertaking by the Security Council in support of the Government. The renewal of the mandate takes place against the backdrop of the peaceful elections and peaceful transfer of power from former President Kabila Kabange to President Tshisekedi Tshilombo. South Africa notes the renewal of the MONUSCO mandate for another nine months as a significant demonstration of the Council’s commitment in addressing perennial instability, in particular in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We join others in expressing concern about the security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the illegal exploitation and trafficking of natural resources. In that regard, there is an urgent need for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen the capacity of State institutions, with the support of MONUSCO. In addition, there is a need for the protection of civilians and the establishment of an effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, as well as financial support as requested by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As we extend the mandate of MONUSCO, it is appropriate to underscore the vital role that the Mission has played since its deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo almost two decades ago. It is equally important to express our gratitude to all troop- and police-contributing countries, including Tanzania and Malawi, which, with us, are part of the Force Intervention Brigade, for their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In that context, we pay tribute to all our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their lives in the quest for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In conclusion, the development and prosperity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is paramount not only for that country but for the region and continent at large. We therefore reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure that the Congolese people finally reap the rewards of the abundant natural resources with which that country is endowed. Furthermore, we call upon the Council, as well as the international community, to support the new Government to ensure peace, stability and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United States strongly supports the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and is pleased to have voted in favour of resolution 2463 (2019) today. We thank Special Representative of the Secretary- General Zerrougui and her team for their stewardship of MONUSCO at an important moment in the country’s history and commend their engagement in support of the Congolese people. MONUSCO’s new mandate seeks to align the Mission with the new Administration’s priorities — tackling corruption; increasing transparency; fostering accountability; improving security throughout the country, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; improving human rights practices; and providing opportunities for all Congolese people. MONUSCO’s new mandate also prioritizes the safety and well- being of the Congolese people. Through its focus on the protection of civilians, stopping sexual and gender-based violence and preventing violations and abuses committed against children, the Council has ensured that the Mission’s fundamental responsibility is to support those who have suffered from conflict, instability and violence for far too long. Today’s resolution includes new language on peacekeeping performance to help ensure that MONUSCO is composed of the best-performing civilian and uniformed personnel. As a result, we expect to see improvements in MONUCO’s implementation of its mandate to neutralize armed groups and prevent conflict, including through disarmament and mediation. The mandate also emphasizes the important role that MONUSCO can play in the response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak. If requested, MONUSCO can provide security assistance to responders providing life-saving support. Perhaps most important, thanks to its emphasis on strengthening Congolese institutions within existing resources, the Council has given MONUSCO the mandate to work closely with the Congolese authorities to provide technical assistance and build capacity in areas of strategic importance, such as security, the rule of law and the management of natural resources. Those efforts are critical to the long-term success of MONUSCO and the eventual transition of responsibilities to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We note that resolution 2463 (2019) contains references to the International Criminal Court (ICC). In that connection, we refer to the United States policy on the ICC, as announced by the White House on 10 September 2018, as well as to Secretary Pompeo’s announcement on 15 March regarding visa restrictions on Court officials in furtherance of that policy. In particular, the United States reiterates its continuing and long-standing principled objection to any assertion of ICC jurisdiction over nationals of States that are not parties to the Rome Statute, including the United States and Israel, absent a referral by the Security Council or the consent of such a State. We also wish to reiterate our serious and fundamental concerns with the ICC Prosecutor’s proposed investigation of United States personnel in the context of the conflict in Afghanistan. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a State party to the Rome Statute and, as recalled in resolution 2463 (2019), has consented to the Court’s exercise of jurisdiction. We understand that MONUSCO’s mandate with respect to the ICC will be limited to working with the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in circumstances in which all the relevant States have consented to the ICC’s activities. The United States remains a leader in the fight to end impunity and continues to support justice and accountability for international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We respect the decisions of those nations that have chosen to join the ICC and, in turn, we expect that our decision not to join and not to place our citizens under the Court’s jurisdiction will also be respected.

We welcome the adoption of resolution 2463 (2019) today. The resolution is a product of compromise that takes into account the concerns of the new Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The peaceful transfer of power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a turning point in the country’s history. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) played an important role in the process and will play the same vital role in making sure that peace will last in the country. We welcome the resolution, which ensures the ability of MONUSCO to continue its role until the end of the year. Indonesia also welcomes the resolution’s appropriate recognition of the important use of community engagement to enhance MONUSCO’s ability to support the Mission’s protection and implement its mandated tasks, including to protect civilians. We look forward to the Secretary-General’s strategic review of the Mission and hope that the review will be carried out in consideration of what is needed by the Congolese people. Therefore, consultations involving the Government, MONUSCO’s leader and the troop- and police-contributing countries (TCCs/ PCCs) are essential. The peacekeepers’ safety and security should also be part of the review as they are becoming a cause for concern in the field. We were saddened to hear the reports of attacks directed against peacekeepers and pay our respects to those who have fallen. We recognize the leadership of France, as penholder, in leading the discussions of resolution 2463 (2019). As we look forward to the next mandate renewal, we stand ready to engage in discussion at the earliest opportunity in order to adopt a more comprehensive draft resolution and better accommodate the concerns of the Congolese people; the Secretariat, which provides resources to MONUSCO; the TCCs/PCCs, which send their men and women to the field; and the members of the region in the Council that are affected. Indonesia is one of the largest TCCs/PCCs in MONUSCO, and the role that it plays in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of armed groups in the province of Tanganyika has been demonstrated. Guns have been transferred to peacekeepers, showing trust and confidence in our peacekeepers, but much still needs to be done. I should like to conclude by reiterating my delegation’s wish that the resolution that we have just adopted will contribute to the promotion of lasting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, based on full respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We need to support the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I commend the French delegation for its leadership in drafting the text of resolution 2463 (2019). We know that it was not an easy task, and we reiterate our appreciation and gratitude to the various high- level Government officials who have joined us in the Chamber today. We take the floor briefly to express our satisfaction with the adoption today of resolution 2463 (2019), the first of its kind adopted by the Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the momentous holding of elections in December 2018, which enabled the first peaceful transfer of power in that country. It was important for us that, without lapsing into complacency, the new mandate given to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) should reflect the important historic moment that the country is experiencing. That is why we insisted that the provisions should constitute a hopeful way forward, based on a positive but at the same time realistic approach. During the first months of his term in office, President Tshilombo Tshisekedi will require both the support of the international community and the time and space necessary to form a Government and consolidate his legitimate authority throughout that immense country. In recognition of that, the members of the Council have agreed to a nine-month mandate extension, without many technical adjustments, in order to respect the trust that the sovereign Congolese people has placed in the new Head of State. We will meet again at the negotiating table at the end of that period. My country is convinced that, following the effective conclusion of the political and electoral processes that we have been following in recent years, the attention and multisectoral efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO and the international community now must, without neglecting the capital, go towards moving the epicentre of operations from Kinshasa to the eastern part of the country, with a view to decisively dealing with the acts of the insurgent rebel groups operating in the area. They are the cause and consequence of the prevailing chaos that we are seeing. To that end, it will be necessary to have the political will and courage of all national and international political stakeholders, particularly of the countries of the region. We hope to sustain that conversation not only in the Security Council but also in the relevant regional bodies to continue to make progress on the noble goal of silencing the guns on the continent. In conclusion, we would like to thank MONUSCO for the role that it has been playing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the successful conclusion of which is ever-nearer. Similarly, we would like to thank all the countries that contribute with troops, funding or any other way to the quest for peace and stability in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I would like to congratulate the French-German presidency for resolution 2463 (2019). But I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the French presidency on the first part of the French- German presidency, which sends a significant message of European Union unity. I must congratulate your excellent team, Mr. President, and express my hope that my friend the German Ambassador has learned many tips from this presidency and that of the Dominican Republic.

Starting on Monday, we will have the opposite experience. I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As the French presidency of the Security Council comes to an end, allow me to note the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, who has done us the honour of presiding over this meeting. His presence here testifies to the importance that his country has always attached to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would also like to thank him for this opportunity to address the Council at this meeting, which is devoted to the adoption of resolution 2463 (2019), on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). I would like to especially thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his determination and personal involvement in the quest for a solution and lasting peace to the situation in the eastern part of my country. I would also like to express to the Council the gratitude of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people for the efforts that it has continued to make for more than two decades to bring peace and stability back to my country. I would be remiss if I did not also thank Ms. Mapisa- Nqakula, Minister of Defence of South Africa, and Mr. Marcel Amon-Tanoh, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, who have personally come to attend this meeting, thereby demonstrating the friendship and fraternity their countries share with mine. My delegation welcomes the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2463 (2019), which renews the mandate of MONUSCO for a period of nine months. That minimal period will enable the Government of my country to take charge of the matter, become familiar with it and be able to take an informed decision on a number of the issues that require its attention. That time will also be used to calmly prepare the strategic dialogue and exit strategy of MONUSCO. My delegation is pleased to note that the protection of civilians is at the top of the mandate’s priorities. That will allow MONUSCO to benefit from the necessary means to provide support to the Government, which has the primary responsibility to protect persons and property throughout the national territory. The complex situation in the eastern part of my country and the suffering of our people affected by the abuses of the various armed groups oblige us to combine our efforts and fight together for their eradication and the restoration of lasting peace in that part of the country. In the same vein, my delegation welcomes the consensus reached on the importance of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, even if it does not figure among the priorities of the mandate. In our opinion, that programme can effectively contribute to the eradication of armed groups, if sufficient financial resources are available to enable the successful social reintegration of combatants who lay down their arms. We welcome the continuation of the Force Intervention Brigade in its current configuration with a mandate that remains offensive. As we stressed in our statement to the Council on 18 March, the operational capabilities of the Brigade, as well as of all MONUSCO’s troops, must be strengthened with the appropriate equipment to enable it to deal with asymmetrical warfare (see S/PV.8486). With regard to the armed groups that are wreaking havoc in the eastern part of my country, my Government will formally request the Security Council, within the framework of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to include the Allied Democratic Forces on the list of terrorist groups. My delegation is pleased to note that the resolution recalls, as we stressed before the Council on 26 March, the importance of the involvement of the signatory countries in the effective implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework to help establish lasting peace in the region, and more particularly in the eastern part of my country (see S/PV.8491). With regard to the resizing of troops, it is regrettable that the Council has not adopted the Government’s point of view, or the Secretary-General’s proposals, and that the strategic dialogue must conclude before a decision is taken. However, we welcome the principle of organizing that dialogue in collaboration with the Government, in accordance with the stipulations of resolution 2277 (2016). Moreover, as clearly stated in the letter addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the subject, the highest authority of my country expressed the wish that the political mandate entrusted to MONUSCO should be limited solely to supporting the Government in the implementation of reforms. My delegation hopes that the wording of resolution 2463 (2019) with regard to the mandate accurately reflects the view of my Government and that the mandate will effectively provide it with the support it needs to carry out its reforms in order to succeed in the challenge of restoring peace and rebuilding the country. In addition, my delegation believes that taking into account the evidence of the illicit trafficking in natural resources in the solution of the crisis in the eastern part of my country is a positive option on which to be capitalized. My delegation appreciates the Security Council’s recognition of the first steps taken by the President of the Republic in the area of human rights. My country recognizes that the road ahead is long and that challenges remain, and promises to continue its efforts to make a reality of the Head of State’s desire for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be a State of rights and a haven of peace for all Congolese, as well as for all those who have chosen our country as their second homeland. On the issues of the protection of children, sexual violence, the humanitarian situation and so many other matters of concern covered by the resolution, the Government remains committed and will pursue the actions laid out in our President’s programme in order to improve the situation on the ground in those various domains. I would like to conclude with two observations. The first relates to the agreed language in several resolutions, which my delegation believes is in some instances outdated and should adapt to the current circumstances and times. The second has to do with the translation of the resolution, the French version of which does not seem to match the original English, particularly in paragraph 11, where the translation does not reflect the development of the text. It is therefore important that the translation service reread the entire text in order to produce a faithful translation that reflects the adopted version. I wish to assure the Council, without abandoning our substantive concerns about the various issues covered in the resolution, that my Government has taken note and will continue to work with the United Nations, as it has done in the past, for the benefit of the Congolese people. Finally, I would like to thank MONUSCO, its Intervention Brigade and all troop-contributing countries for their work throughout the mandate that has just ended. We hope that MONUSCO’s new mandate will be the culmination of efforts to bring sustainable peace and stability to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. Before adjourning the meeting, as this is the last scheduled meeting of the Council for the month of March, I would like to express the sincere appreciation of the delegation of France to the members of the Council and the Secretariat for their support. After a busy month, we can congratulate ourselves on reaching consensus on several important issues within our purview. We could not have done it alone or without the hard work, support and positive contributions of every delegation and the representatives of the Secretariat, including the conference service officers, interpreters, translators, verbatim reporters and security staff. As we end our presidency, I know I speak on behalf of the Council, beginning with the representative of the Dominican Republic, in wishing good luck to the delegation of Germany during its presidency in the month of April.