UN envoy warns of rising political tensions in Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is "at a critical juncture" against a backdrop of rising political tensions ahead of elections which could lead to violence if left unaddressed, the top UN official in the African country warned here Wednesday.

While briefing the UN Security Council on the current situation in the DRC, Maman Sidikou, the Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), highlighted key issues for consideration as the 15-nation UN body renews the UN mission's mandate in the country, which is scheduled to hold presidential and legislative elections in November.

"First, credible and meaningful political dialogue is needed to overcome the impasse in the electoral process," the envoy said. "A strong message on the need for political consensus and an agreed, sustainable way forward will be important, while also emphasizing the link between a credible electoral process and upholding fundamental human rights."

One month ago, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in the DRC meeting with President Joseph Kabila and other senior government officials and representatives from civil society. The secretary-general told them to engage in constructive talks, putting the interest of the population at the center of the debate.

"Second, I am optimistic that we can capitalize on the spirit of enhanced cooperation with the government to make early progress on the priority armed groups through improved cooperation between the mission, the government and the FARDC (the Armed Forces of the DRC), and with the support of other partners," Sidikou said. "Neutralizing armed groups goes beyond military operations and requires enhanced efforts to extend State authority and find durable solutions for former combatants."

Meanwhile, the UN envoy underlined that he counts on the Security Council's support to reduce an additional 1,700 military personnel from MONUSCO, in line with the secretary-general's recommendation.

"The recommendation takes into account the mission's plans to transform the Force and measures to address inefficiencies. Based on projected capability and efficiency gains from the Force transformation, it was assessed that a further reduction of MONUSCO military personnel may be envisaged without compromising the Mission's ability to implement its mandate to protect civilians, including through the neutralization of armed groups," Sidikou said.

He insisted that the recommendation should be viewed as a "concrete step forward" in facilitating the strategic dialogue between the mission and the government with a view to achieving a common goal: the gradual and progressive exit of MONUSCO "that preserves the gains and investments made so far."

Finally, military pressure will only lead to sustainable outcomes if there is an effective, well-planned nationally-led disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process that ensures ex-combatants are processed back into their communities or to their countries of origin, while also ensuring that hazardous war materials are removed and stabilization efforts are intensified.

"The government has begun planning for the reinsertion and reintegration of thousands of demobilized ex-combatants in their home communities. These efforts are to be commended and built upon," he said.

In addition to these considerations for the Council, Sidikou underlined his priority to fully implement MONUSCO's "zero tolerance" policy against sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

"The mission has reviewed its overall strategy and introduced a new mechanism to ensure greater opportunity to report SEA, and a comprehensive network of response and assistance for victims," he said. "Under my leadership, MONUSCO will take all possible steps to prevent SEA, punish those responsible to the maximum extent possible, and address the needs of victims."

MONUSCO, set up in November 1999, boasts 22,016 total uniformed personnel and is the UN's biggest peace operation. Enditem