Title: UN Under-Secretary-General calls for the disarmament of the March 23 Movement in the DRC
Introduction :
The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate in the east of the country, despite a relative lull in fighting between the rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). In this context, Martha Pobee, UN Under-Secretary General for Africa, demanded the urgent disarmament of the M23 during a meeting of the Security Council. This article will examine the implications of this request and the security situation in the DRC.
The fragmentary withdrawal of the M23 and the areas still occupied:
Martha Pobee stressed that the M23’s withdrawal from occupied areas was “fragmentary, tactical and political”. The rebels still control much of Masisi and Rutshuru territories, as well as the movement of people and goods in these areas. Moreover, their recent offensive repositioning raises fears of a resumption of hostilities.
The M23 disarmament requirement:
For the pacification efforts to bear fruit, Martha Pobee insisted on the need for the M23 to withdraw completely from the occupied territories and lay down their arms unconditionally. She also called for the movement to join the Community Demobilization, Disarmament, Recovery and Stabilization Programme. The Under-Secretary General welcomed the efforts of Congolese leaders to implement the decisions of the Luanda roadmap and the Nairobi process and underlined the availability of MONUSCO to support the Congolese authorities in the disarmament of M23.
The fragility of security gains and the deterioration of the situation in Ituri:
Martha Pobee also pointed out that the security gains in North Kivu are fragile and are overshadowed by the deterioration of the situation in Ituri. This province was marked by the security vacuum created by the redeployment of the FARDC. Over the past three months, more than 600 people have been killed by armed groups, such as CODECO, the Zairian militia and the ADF. The Under-Secretary-General urged all armed groups to cease hostilities and called for the redeployment of national security forces to restore state authority in the region.
Conclusion :
The security situation in the DRC remains worrying, particularly in the east of the country. Disarming the March 23 Movement is crucial to restoring security and stability in the region. It is essential that all stakeholders, including Congolese authorities and the international community, work together to end armed conflict and foster lasting peace in the DRC.. Only complete disarmament and the implementation of stabilization programs will make it possible to put an end to the suffering of the civilian populations and to rebuild the country.