Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan
to the United Nations
At the Briefing on the Situation in the Great Lakes Region
12 April 2017

 

 

Madam President,

 

I would like to thank Special Envoy Djinnit for his informative briefing. Against the complex backdrop of the Great Lakes region, his good offices have been invaluable in promoting regional ownership and commitment to revitalize the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. This Framework remains essential to achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region. Japan reaffirms its support for Mr. Djinnit’s efforts in this regard.

 

Let me underscore two major challenges faced by the region today. 

 

First, the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We recently renewed the mandate of MONUSCO to make it more efficient and focused on key tasks. We are encouraged by the strong commitment of SADC, reaffirmed in this Chamber by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, in continuing to work together with MONUSCO to assist the DRC in achieving sustained peace.

 

The situation in the DRC is at a critical juncture. This Council has been closely following the status of the implementation of the 31 December Political Agreement. Three months have already passed without the establishment of transitional institutions. Japan renews its call on President Kabila for further leadership and urges all political actors to accelerate the political process. Successful elections are the only viable way to sustain the gains made by DRC and the region thus far.

 

The second challenge is the situation in Burundi. Japan welcomes the recent meeting between President Nkurunziza and the Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. It is important that this window of dialogue be kept open.

 

However, we remain deeply concerned about the continued suspension of cooperation with OHCHR and reports of serious human rights violations, especially the climate of impunity among Imbonerakure.

 

We strongly encourage the Government of Burundi to constructively engage with international partners, especially the United Nations, to reestablish cooperative relations based on mutual trust. Japan reiterates that maintaining some level of UN presence in Burundi will benefit Burundi itself. In this regard, Japan emphasizes the importance of engagement by the African Union, including through the deployment of AU observers.

 

I would also like to assure Japan’s full support for the EAC-led mediation and Mr. Mkapa’s facilitation role. We look forward to the EAC summit to be held as soon as possible so that the Heads of State in the sub-region would seriously consider the situation in Burundi and provide strong guidance to Mr. Mkapa in leading an inclusive dialogue process.

 

In closing, I would like to announce that Japan recently decided to provide 18 million USD in assistance to the DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia, with particular focus on refugees and food security. Japan will continue to support the people of the Great Lakes region as they seek more peaceful, stable and prosperous lives.      

 

I thank you, Madam President.