Security Council Press Statement on the DRC

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 11 October by the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of Congo and head of the United Nations Organization
Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

The members of the Security Council reiterated their concern at the current political, security and
humanitarian situation, in light of the challenges facing the implementation of the 31 December
Agreement, the deterioration of the security situation, in particular in the Kasa region and the East of the
country, the increase in abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian
law in the country, as well as their subsequent humanitarian consequences, disproportionately affecting
women and children. They stressed the need for greater attention to the humanitarian situation.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern that, unless political actors demonstrate
renewed good faith and political will to deliver on the promises they made to their people on New Year's
Eve 2016, the DRC and the wider region are set to face an increased risk of insecurity and instability.
They further called upon all political parties, their supporters, and other political actors to remain calm and
refrain from violence of any kind. The members of the Security Council reiterated their commitment to act
accordingly regarding all Congolese actors whose actions and statements impede the implementation of
the agreement and the organization of the elections.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support to the efforts of the Special Representative
of the Secretary-General, MONUSCO, the African Union and regional organizations in helping to ensure
the full implementation of the 31 December 2016 Agreement, in accordance with resolution 2348 (2017).
The members of the Security Council called on partners of the DRC to continue to support genuine efforts
by national stakeholders towards the full implementation of the Agreement. They took note of the
communiqu adopted at the 7th summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region on 19
October 2017.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that effective, swift and timely implementation of the 31
December 2016 Agreement is critical to a credible electoral process and the peace and stability of the
DRC, as well as in supporting the legitimacy of the transitional institutions, as it represents a viable road
map towards the holding of inclusive, peaceful and democratic presidential and legislative elections. They
called for the urgent publication of a credible electoral timetable, in line with the spirit of consensus that
prevailed for the signing of the Agreement. They further reiterated their call for the full implementation of
the confidence building measures agreed in chapter V of the 31 December 2016 Agreement, some of
which are yet to be implemented.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the steps taken by the National Electoral Commission,
CENI, towards finalizing the voter registration, with the active support of MONUSCO. They welcomed the
offer by the African Union, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the Southern Africa
Development Community and the European Union, along with the United Nations to establish a
coordinated team of experts to support the preparations of the elections, including in ensuring womens
full and equal participation.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their appeal to all Congolese actors to work for the
preservation of the still fragile gains in the path of peace and stability in the DRC, they underscored the
responsibility that all Congolese political stakeholders bear, especially by overcoming their differences to
reach consensus and upholding the interests and well-being of their people above all other
considerations, and strongly urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to ensure the inclusivity of all
signatories of the Agreement in its implementation.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that the Government of the DRC bears the primary
responsibility to protect civilians within its territory, they stressed the need for the full respect for human
rights, and for renewed efforts in the fight against impunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
especially in view of the reported killing of civilians by state and non-state actors and disproportionate use
of force by elements of the security forces. They reiterated the importance and urgency of prompt and
transparent investigations into violations of international humanitarian law and violations or abuses of
human rights in the Kasa region. They reiterated their intention to closely monitor progress of the
investigations into these violations and abuses, including the joint investigations by the Government of the
DRC, MONUSCO and the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC, in order to bring to
justice and hold accountable all those responsible.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern about the increased activities of armed groups
in Eastern DRC, including a recent increase in violence against local communities and the DRC armed
forces, escalating ethnic tensions, and an increase in internal displacement. They underlined the urgent
need for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors.

The members of the Security Council took note of the strategic review of MONUSCO. They welcomed its
focus on the two priorities set out by the Security Council in resolution 2348 (2017), as well as on
ensuring increased effectiveness in the Mission, and agreed to thoroughly look into the recommendations
of the Secretary General. They reiterated their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-
General and to MONUSCO. The Members of the Security Council are mindful of the financial constraints
facing the mission.

30 October 2017