Title: The unstable situation in eastern DRC requires concerted regional political solutions, according to the head of MONUSCO
Introduction :
The head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), Bintou Keita, recently expressed to the Security Council the need to find concerted political and regional solutions to end the instability in the is from the DRC. According to Ms. Keita, regional efforts must be supported by essential reforms of the Congolese security sector, as well as the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS). In this article, we will explore the challenges facing the eastern region of the DRC and the importance of regional political solutions to ensure stability.
Persistent instability in eastern DRC:
Despite efforts in recent months to achieve stability, the situation in eastern DRC remains precarious. Armed conflicts continue to disrupt the daily lives of civilians and it is crucial to find lasting solutions to protect the population. Bintou Keita stressed the need for concerted political and regional solutions to resolve these conflicts effectively.
MONUSCO’s support for regional political processes:
MONUSCO is committed to supporting regional political processes that offer the best credible solutions to resolve the ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. The visit of the facilitator of the Nairobi process, former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, was seen as an encouragement to seize the opportunity offered by the ceasefire between the FARDC and the M23 to implement the measures of confidence and recommendations of the Nairobi III political consultations.
Essential reforms of the Congolese security sector:
Bintou Keita emphasizes that regional efforts can only be effective if essential reforms of the Congolese security sector are adopted, financed and implemented. The implementation of the P-DDRCS is an essential condition for achieving stabilization in the region. Three operational plans have already been adopted for Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, but it is crucial to put them into practice to ensure security and community recovery.
Support from the international community:
The extension of the mandate of the East African Community Regional Force and the proposed deployment of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace mission show the commitment of the international community to support stabilization efforts in eastern DRC. It is crucial to coordinate these actions with regional policy solutions to achieve lasting results.
Conclusion :
The unstable situation in eastern DRC requires concerted political and regional solutions. MONUSCO’s efforts, in supporting regional political processes, and reforms of the Congolese security sector, notably the implementation of the P-DDRCS, are essential to achieving the stabilization of the region. With the support of the international community, it is possible to find lasting solutions and ensure the protection of civilians in eastern DRC.