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“President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech at the UN: withdrawal of MONUSCO, insecurity and upcoming elections in the DRC”
In his speech to the 78th session of the United Nations (UN), President Félix Tshisekedi raised several crucial subjects for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Among these subjects, the withdrawal of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), the persistent insecurity in the east of the country and the upcoming elections.
President Tshisekedi stressed the need to accelerate the withdrawal of MONUSCO, in order to ease tensions between the UN mission and Congolese citizens. He indicated that discussions were underway to begin this gradual withdrawal from December 2023. For the Head of State, it is time for the country to take control of its own destiny and become the main actor in its stability.
Criticism of the peacekeeping missions deployed in the DRC for 25 years has been strong. President Tshisekedi deplored that these missions had not succeeded in confronting the rebellions and armed conflicts which are tearing the country and the Great Lakes region apart, nor in protecting civilian populations. He therefore believes that it is useless to continue to rely on MONUSCO to restore peace and stabilization in the DRC.
President Félix Tshisekedi welcomed the sanctions taken by the United States against Rwanda for its support of M23 terrorists. He also called on the UN Security Council to sanction all perpetrators of serious crimes committed on Congolese territory, denouncing the impunity from which they benefit.
Furthermore, the President of the Republic reaffirmed the holding of general elections in December, in institutions with elective mandate up to the municipal level. He assured that measures were being taken to guarantee the transparency, inclusiveness, equal opportunities and credibility of these upcoming elections. Invitations have already been extended to international institutions and non-governmental organizations specializing in election observation.
In conclusion, President Tshisekedi’s speech to the UN highlights the DRC’s desire to take control of its own destiny, by accelerating the withdrawal of MONUSCO, by fighting against the impunity of the perpetrators of serious crimes and by preparing credible and transparent elections. It demonstrates the country’s determination to progress towards stability and development.