Addressing a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on July 7 to discuss the situation in the DR Congo and activities of the UN Stabilization Mission in the African nation (MONUSCO), the ambassador stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to address root causes of the instability in the east DR Congo, including prevention of illegal acts related to natural resources and promotion of socio-economic development.
He upheld the vital role of regional cooperation and support of the international community to help authorities and people of DR Congo to surmount current hardships.
Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DR Congo and MONUSCO head, briefed participants on the situation in the country in the recent three months.
She reported that a new coalition government, which took power this April, has exerted efforts in State management reforms and ensuring security and socio-economic development.
The new government has continued to bolster bilateral and regional relations in an attempt to tackle common security challenges and foster integration.
However, the east of DR Congo continues to see complicated security situation, primarily due to illegal natural resources exploitation and smuggling of armed groups, and ongoing violence between communities in some provinces, Keita added.
Instability, diseases and natural disasters have dealt a blow to humanitarian activities in the recent past, while the adverse impact of COVID-19 on socio-economic development hinders local people’s access to fundamental services, especially in the health sector.
Participants acknowledged the commitment of DR Congo’s government in promoting reforms, and maintaining stability and development. They also expressed a concern about security in the eastern provinces and worsen humanitarian crisis in the past months.
At the meeting, delegates also extended condolences to Haiti for the assassination of President Jovenel Moise which occurred the same day.
Source: VNA