Explanation of position delivered on behalf of the A3+ by H.E. Pedro Comissario Afonso, Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the United Nations, following the adoption of the draft resolution on MONUSCO
Madam President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+ Member States, namely Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and my own country, Mozambique.
Let me begin by expressing appreciation to Sierra Leone and France for their leadership in steering the discussion on this resolution that has just been adopted.
Madam President,
The resolution renewing MONUSCO's mandate arrives at a pivotal moment for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region. We have voted in favor of the resolution to demonstrate our strong commitment to MONUSCO in its efforts to support the Government of the DRC in addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern of the country while regional diplomatic efforts are underway to achieve a lasting peace.
The A3+ underscores the importance of effective implementation of MONUSCO's mandate, crucial the stability of the country and protecting civilians in the DRC and protecting civilians in the DRC. For MONUSCO to succeed is effective collaboration with the DRC Government is vital, particularly in planning the next steps for the mission's drawdown and consolidating the drawdown in South Kivu.
At the national level, we wish to highlight the critical importance of revamping the Nairobi process in order to sustainably address the issue of local armed groups, in particular the M23 questions. This is fundamental component that has to be addressed for all other processes to move forward. Simultaneously, efforts should be accelerated towards the establishment a robust state presence throughout the eastern regions. This is vital ensuring a well-equipped and effective state apparatus capable of administering the territory and countering all forms of threat against civilians.
At the regional level, the A3+ emphasizes the critical contributions of organizations such as the African Union (AU), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in addressing the protracted conflict in the eastern DRC.
The A3+ wishes to reiterate the leadership role of President João Lourenço of Angola, the AU-designated mediator, continues to
play in leading the discussions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. His efforts embody the principle of "African solutions for African problems," that demonstrates the importance of African-led initiatives in addressing the continent's challenges.
We welcome the significant progress made under the Luanda process, particularly the operationalization of the reinforced ad hoc verification mechanism and the development of its concept of operations and efforts to reconvene the tripartite Summit for peace in eastern DRC. To build on this momentum, we urge all parties to demonstrate the necessary political will and commitment to achieving a permanent de-escalation of tensions for the benefit of Congolese and Rwandan peoples.
Madam President,
The A3+ stresses that while national and regional efforts are vital, the UN Security Council should continue to play a constructive role in achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. The Council's overwhelming support for this resolution demonstrates a united commitment to peace in the DRC and the region.
The A3+ reaffirms its commitment to working closely with all Council members to swiftly end the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and support the DRC Government in creating an environment conducive to sustainable peace and stability.
I thank you.
