Statement by Mr. IRIYA Takayuki, Minister for Political Affairs, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on "the Situation in the DRC"

I would like to express my gratitude to SRSG Keita and Ms. Lusamba, National Coordinator of SOFEPAD (Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral) for their briefings. I welcome the participation of representatives from the DRC as well as Rwanda. 　
 
The DRC is going through a significant transition with formidable challenges. With the general election imminent and the start of MONUSCO’s withdrawal in sight, I would like to highlight three points today, starting with security.
 
We continue to see with grave concern the worsening security situation and the deterioration of human security in the eastern provinces of the DRC. The violation of the ceasefire agreement between the M23 and the Congolese armed forces has far-reaching, devastating impacts on people’s lives. The reported newly created coalition of armed groups fighting in support of the Congolese armed forces has further compounded hostilities and violence, triggering a massive flow of IDPs.
 
I wish to stress again that support of any kind to armed groups only exacerbates insecurity and regional tensions, and must be stopped immediately. All Congolese and foreign armed groups must unconditionally lay down their arms and engage in the DDR process. Community based reintegration efforts through dialogue with employment opportunities is the key for increased participation in the DDR process, which Japan also supports through UNOPS and UNDP. We welcome the initiative of MONUSCO and the IOM in this regard.
 
The second point is about the planned exit strategy of MONUSCO. A gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal requires close and constructive cooperation among all stakeholders guided by strong ownership by the host country. Ensuring adequate protection of civilians must always be front and center in our collective endeavors. Here, timely deployment of national security forces synchronized with the planned withdrawal of MONUSCO troops is essential to avoid any security vacuum on the ground. Furthermore, the protection of United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment must be ensured throughout the withdrawal process.
 
The high number of human rights violations, including sexual violence, remains our deep concern. The ongoing whole-of-UN system efforts to help build state-owned early warning and response systems within communities should be further promoted to create a conducive environment for the sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO.
 
Finally, the forthcoming election must be an opportunity to win people’s confidence and build unity. Strengthening social cohesion is fundamental for sustainable stability, and thus the DRC requires free, fair, inclusive, peaceful and transparent elections more than ever. Reported election-related violence as well as a reduction of civic and political space are worrying signs and must be halted by all stakeholders.
 
Japan remains committed to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the DRC. We are determined to continue working together with MONUSCO and all partners for sustainable peace and stability in the region.