Urging the 바카라 사이트 of DRC to spearhead efforts towards lasting peace
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the Security Council briefing on DRC
Madam President, let me begin by congratulating SRSG Keita on her appointment, and by thanking her and Ms Lusumba for their briefings today. As ever, I would like to commend the continuation of MONUSCO바카라 사이트檚 vital operations despite challenges in the operating environment.
Madam President, I would like to focus my intervention today on three points. First, despite numerous multifaceted challenges, it is important to recognise the progress that is being made in DRC. To that end, I would like to congratulate President Tshisekedi on the establishment of his 바카라 사이트淯nion Sacr茅e바카라 사이트� coalition, and to welcome his efforts towards forming a new government.
It is crucial that the 바카라 사이트 of the DRC drives forward urgent reforms 바카라 사이트� particularly those that will ensure free and fair elections in 2023, improve the economy for all, and establish peace and security in the East. As Ms Lusumba바카라 사이트檚 briefing made clear, gender sensitive approaches in all of these areas are critical. In this regard, I commend the President바카라 사이트檚 commitment to thirty percent female representation in his new government.
Secondly, despite progress in some areas, I must stress again our concern about increased armed group violence in eastern DRC. The number of attacks against civilians so far this year 바카라 사이트� in Ituri, North and South Kivu particularly - is a pressing and tragic reminder of the need for renewed focus on tackling the threat posed by armed groups.
In this vein, I call on all national, regional and international actors to utilise the levers at their disposal to stop these groups from accessing weapons, from being able to trade and make money, and from receiving political protection while committing atrocities with impunity. I would also like to express my deep concern at DRC바카라 사이트檚 acute humanitarian situation, which is driven in large part by conflict.
Finally, Madam President, a word on MONUSCO바카라 사이트檚 transition. I welcome positive momentum at the provincial level towards the Mission바카라 사이트檚 withdrawal from the Kasais. However, transition can only be sustainable and responsible if the government is engaged fully with the process.
To that end, I urge the 바카라 사이트 of the DRC to engage and coordinate at the provincial and national levels. Efforts to address the root causes of conflict in DRC and to build a safer, more prosperous future for its citizens will only succeed if spearheaded by the 바카라 사이트.
Thank you, Madam President.