Speech by President Félix Tshisekedi at the UN: Towards a gradual withdrawal of MONUSCO and transparent elections in the DRC
President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly addressed several current issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Among these subjects, one of the most important concerns the gradual withdrawal of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). President Tshisekedi underlined the urgency of this acceleration, in order to ease tensions and allow the DRC to take charge of its own stability.
For 25 years, UN peacekeeping missions in the DRC have failed to confront the rebellions and armed conflicts that are ravaging the country and the Great Lakes region. President Tshisekedi therefore considers that continuing to rely on MONUSCO to restore peace would be illusory and counterproductive. He also calls on the UN Security Council to sanction all perpetrators of serious crimes committed on Congolese territory, emphasizing the injustice and inadmissibility of their impunity.
Furthermore, President Tshisekedi spoke of the situation in the east of the country, marked by armed groups such as the M23. He reiterated his refusal to grant dialogue to these groups which do not respect the commitments made in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. President Tshisekedi denounces the massacres perpetrated by the M23 against civilian populations.
Finally, President Tshisekedi’s speech confirmed the holding of the next general elections in December, with measures taken to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, equal opportunities and credibility of the vote. Invitations were extended to international institutions and non-governmental organizations specializing in electoral observation to mandate their missions.
In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi’s speech at the UN highlights the DRC’s desire to take control of its stability, by accelerating the withdrawal of MONUSCO, by sanctioning the perpetrators of serious crimes and by organizing transparent elections. These measures are essential to ensure peace and progress in the DRC.