Top official in DRC says M23 armed group blocks UN mission from protecting civilians

By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN the mission chief in Democratic Republic of Congo Bintou Keita briefed the reporters in New York on Friday that the occupation of North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo by the M23 armed group has “severely constrained” the UN stabilisation force’s ability to protect civilians and carry out lifesaving operations.

Special Representative in the DRC and head of the peacekeeping mission in theDRC, MONUSCO, briefed the press via video-link from the DRC said that these operational challenges have been exacerbated by ongoing mis- and disinformation campaigns that are misinforming the public of the UN peacekeepers’ role,.

She said the mission remains driven to discharge its mandate and is currently protecting hundreds of thousands of displaced people in eastern DRC, with the recent arrival of the Force Commander in Beni demonstrating that determination.

UN mission continues to support the DRC and its armed forces, Ms. Keita said. That includes, in recent weeks, MONUSCO’s response to attacks by the CODECO armed group and its establishment of two bases to protect civilians.

Ms. Keita explained that MONUSCO has a core mandate, under international law, to protect unarmed individuals seeking refuge in its posts. That includes 1,400 people facing high risks – many being women and children – following the fall of Goma in January.

“However, the current situation is unsustainable,” she warned.

She cited challenges of continuing to provide shelter and basic supplies to those under its protection.

Ms. Keita noted that remain steadfast in maintaining the civilians’ security, MONUSCO urgently called for a safe, dignified and internationally supported solution for the transfer of these individuals to an alternative, secure location in full respect of their rights and choices.

She reiterated a call for an immediate ceasefire and called on Rwanda to end its support for the M23 and to respect the territorial integrity of the DRC.

Ms. Keita urged all armed groups in Ituri to immediately stop their atrocities against civilians and condemned the brutal attacks by the ADF armed group in the eastern region.

She called on all armed groups to lay down their arms and stop seizing communities.

“There is no military solution that will end this suffering,” she said.

Ms. Keita said the only a political solution and dialogue can resolve this conflict, pledging MONUSCO and the UN’s support towards those ends. Women must be included in forging peace, she said, adding that “their voices must be heard.”

Security Council voted on a resolution related to the DRC this afternoon, she said.

She noted that it was anticipated that the 15-member organ would adopt it unanimously.

Ms. Keita explained said the Luanda and Nairobi processes and other African-led efforts must guide the way to peace.

Above all, peace and security in the DRC requires an end to the conflict, she added.