Speech by Bintou Keita before the UN Security Council on the situation in the DRC
During a speech before the UN Security Council, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bintou Keita, highlighted the current security challenges in the country, highlighting the risks of escalation towards a regional conflict.
Bintou Keita stressed the importance of ongoing diplomatic initiatives to find lasting political solutions to the conflict in the DRC. She praised the efforts of Angolan President João Lourenço and reaffirmed MONUSCO’s full commitment to supporting the ongoing peace processes, particularly those in Luanda and Nairobi.
In the Ituri region, the Head of MONUSCO warned of a significant escalation of violence, with clashes between the Zaire and CODECO factions causing the deaths of civilians. She expressed concern about a possible worsening of the situation, jeopardizing peace efforts in the region.
In addition, Bintou Keita addressed the gradual disengagement of MONUSCO, particularly in South Kivu, and the clashes between militias in the region. She announced an upcoming visit to the region to assess the implementation of disengagement in cooperation with local authorities and civil society organizations.
In conclusion, the Head of MONUSCO thanked the troop contributing countries for their commitment despite an increasingly dangerous environment. She condemned the targeting of UN peacekeepers and called for respect for international law and accountability for any violence perpetrated against them.