The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, spoke at the 78th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN). In his speech, he addressed several key topics regarding the situation in the country.
One of the main issues raised by President Tshisekedi was the gradual withdrawal of the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). He stressed the need to accelerate this process in order to ease tensions between MONUSCO and the Congolese population. According to him, it is time for the DRC to take control of its own destiny and become the main actor in its own stability.
The Head of State also expressed his disappointment with the ineffectiveness of the United Nations peacekeeping missions in the DRC. Despite 25 years of presence, they have not succeeded in confronting the rebellions and armed conflicts which are ravaging the country and the Great Lakes region. President Tshisekedi therefore highlighted the persistent ineffectiveness of MONUSCO in restoring peace and stabilizing the country.
Furthermore, President Tshisekedi welcomed the sanctions taken by the United States against Rwanda for its support for the M23 terrorists. He also reiterated the DRC’s request to the UN Security Council to sanction all perpetrators of serious crimes committed on Congolese territory. He denounced the impunity enjoyed by these people, cited in the reports of UN experts, and called for firmer action from the international organization.
Finally, President Tshisekedi confirmed the holding of the next general elections in December, down to the municipal level. He ensured transparency, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for these elections, and invited international institutions and specialized non-governmental organizations to mandate their electoral observation missions.
In short, President Tshisekedi’s speech to the UN General Assembly highlighted the DRC’s desire to take charge of its own stability and put an end to the ineffectiveness of MONUSCO. The President also stressed the importance of sanctioning those responsible for serious crimes committed in the DRC and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to organizing transparent and inclusive elections.