Thank you, Madam President. And thank you SRSG Keita for your briefing today and for your steady leadership during this escalating crisis in eastern DRC. I would also like to thank the civil society briefer, who put forth a very sobering presentation.
Madam President. The aggressive military incursion into eastern DRC by the U.S. and UN-sanctioned M23 and the Rwandan Defense Force has put the mission’s uniformed and civilian personnel under immense strain.
The United States deeply appreciates and supports the MONUSCO peacekeepers risking their lives every day to protect civilians and combat armed groups amid heavy fighting.
"We join the UN in condemning the attack on MONUSCO positions near Sake on March 16 and wish a full recovery to the eight injured peacekeepers."
"We have repeatedly publicly condemned Rwanda’s incursions in eastern DRC, its continued support for M23 – a group which has perpetrated appalling human rights abuses against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence – and RDF attacks against MONUSCO positions and equipment."
"The international community’s silence in the face of such brazen actions – by a major participant in UN peacekeeping, no less – is equally dismaying."
"The UN should immediately engage the Rwandan government at the highest levels to underscore the importance of peacekeeper safety and security. Without a change in Rwanda’s behavior, it is clear the UN should reevaluate Rwanda’s credibility as a constructive participant in peacekeeping."
"The DRC must also cease and condemn incidents – intentional and unintentional – of elements of its security forces and aligned armed actors or so-called “Wazalendo” firing on MONUSCO. It is unacceptable that MONUSCO TCCs should fear attack by their host state, which has the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers."
"Colleagues, we acknowledge that MONUSCO is stepping up to address the rising violence in eastern DRC while simultaneously planning and executing its drawdown. MONUSCO’s tireless efforts to implement its mandate and protect civilians while disengaging from South Kivu is commendable."
"We continue to monitor the drawdown from South Kivu, including the handover of MONUSCO’s Kamanyola base to Congolese national police in February. We remain concerned, however, about the capacity of the Congolese armed forces and national police to fill the security void, especially as violence in North Kivu threatens to spill over."
"The United States asks that the lessons learned from the South Kivu withdrawal be fully reflected in the mid-year evaluation of the drawdown, including implications for timing and pace of subsequent phases. This process will not be linear – because conflict is not linear – and we should be prepared to make necessary adjustments."
"We believe the DRC government’s proposal to establish a mechanism to identify and expel members of U.S. and UN-sanctioned FDLR armed group from Congolese territory should be seriously examined. We recognize FDLR is a continuing threat to Congolese people and a security threat to Rwanda that must be addressed."
"In addition, any violations of UN arms embargo must be taken seriously and merit response from DRC Sanctions Committee."
"There is no military-only solution to crisis in eastern DRC. The United States strongly supports efforts led by regional actors to resume Nairobi and Luanda processes which offer most viable paths toward resolving this 30-year conflict."
"Colleagues, ultimately peace is political decision. The United States calls on leaders of Rwanda and DRC to make decision to pursue peace – for sake of their people, region, world."
Thank you, Madam President.