Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Representative 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. Nzale-Kove for their briefings. I also thank the chair of the 1533 committee for the update on its work. I welcome the participation of the representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Rwanda.

We remain deeply concerned about continued human rights violations and abuses by armed groups in the eastern part of the DRC, which have displaced local residents, undermined their human security, and trapped women and children in the most vulnerable situations. 

All armed groups must cease hostilities, lay down their arms permanently and participate in the government-led Demobilisation, Disarmament, Community Recovery and Stabilisation Program (P-DDRCS). We cannot tolerate any risk of further worsening the regional security situation. Ongoing support of any kind by any states to M23 and any other armed groups must be stopped immediately, including the reported large quantities of sophisticated artillery and direct intervention of foreign troops. The sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC must be preserved. 

We welcome the ceasefire agreement signed by the DRC and Rwanda on 30 July 2024 as an important step to create a conducive environment for conflict resolution through dialogue. All parties must observe the agreement in a sincere manner and follow up with concrete actions. In this respect, Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism should be fully utilized backed up by regional cooperation. We continue to support the Luanda process and commend Angola for its constructive role as a regional mediator. Inclusive dialogue continues to be the key for sustainable solutions. 

Mr. President, 

Resolution 2746 unanimously adopted last month highlighted the importance of jointly planning the next steps of the gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO, building upon the lessons learned from the completed first phase. We are encouraged by the firm resolution of the DRC government to take over security responsibilities from the mission and avoid any security gaps. 

A further sustainable withdrawal requires improving protection of civilians and the rule of law in the region. The increase in the number of acts of sexual violence and child abuse, especially in and around IDP camps, is highly alarming. The presence of sufficient professional national security forces is essential for the safety of local residents, and thus we continue to encourage the DRC to accelerate its nationally owned security sector reform. Japan has been a long-time partner in the government’s efforts to develop community policing through capacity and institution building. Those trained include female officers, and we look forward to them playing a crucial role in improving access to justice against gender-based violence. 

The already difficult conditions people face in the eastern DRC are now being further worsened by the recent outbreak of Mpox. The number of patients has increased significantly since last November including in South Kivu, further expanding to the north. This makes the improvement of humanitarian access including for proper medical treatment all the more urgent, and all parties must ensure this according to international humanitarian law. The Notes concerning the grant of Mpox vaccines and special inoculation needles were exchanged between the Government of Japan and the DRC on September 18. Those vaccines and needles are expected to contribute to measures against Mpox. 

Japan will continue working together with all partners for sustainable peace and stability in the region.

I thank you.