Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at UNSC Briefing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – MONUSCO - December 11th, 2023

Mister President,

I thank Special Representative Bintou Keita for her briefing. I also thank Ms. Sandrine Lusamba for bringing to the Council her perspectives on the fragile situation in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

I welcome the delegations of the DRC and Rwanda to this meeting.

Brazil welcomes the latest report from the Secretary-General, which provides updates on the situation in the DRC and on MONUSCO`s transition process. This is a crucial moment for the people of the DRC, and it deserves our careful attention.

We remain concerned by the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Episodes of violation of the cease-fire between the M23 and the FARDC, and heightened regional tensions constitute a step-back in the efforts to stabilize the situation.

We call on all parties to the conflict and the neighboring countries to re-engage in the political processes, notably the Luanda and Nairobi processes, to find a long-term solution that ensures sustainable peace in the region. We also reiterate our calls for all armed groups to lay down their arms and for all external support to illegal armed groups to cease immediately.

My delegation is appalled by the continued humanitarian impact of this conflict and by the surge in reported conflict-related sexual violence. We reiterate the need for unimpeded humanitarian access in the DRC and the full protection of IDP camps, especially for women and girls. It is unacceptable that vulnerable people face violence and exploitation in places where they were supposed to find protection and support.

Mister President,

The transition of MONUSCO takes place in a very challenging and complex environment. As we prepare to renew the Mission`s mandate, taking into consideration the disengagement plan agreed between the UN and the Congolese government, the focus must be on the responsible transfer of tasks.

Brazil reiterates that MONUSCO`s departure should be done responsibly, avoiding potential risks of creating more violence and human rights abuses against the population. The Congolese State’s capabilities and authority must be strengthened to ensure the protection of civilians.

The transition and withdrawal must be well coordinated with national and provincial authorities, neighboring countries, and other relevant stakeholders. As the SADC forces prepare to engage in North Kivu, we expect them to act in full cooperation with MONUSCO.

Regarding the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process (DDR) in the DRC and the security sector reform (SSR), Brazil believes that
MONUSCO`s support must continue until the very end of the mission, as they are essential pieces of the transition process.

Mister President,

Despite the challenges pointed out in the SG`s report regarding the upcoming general elections, we are confident that the people of the DRC will be able to overcome polarization and pervasive hate speech.

It is the primary responsibility of key political players to ensure that the upcoming elections be an opportunity for making real progress towards sustained peace and development for all Congolese.

Thank you.