Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy
Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council
meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I will make three points.
First, the United Kingdom welcomes the positive momentum towards
peace generated by the work of EAC-SADC and the AU, the signing
of the Peace Agreement between DRC and Rwanda in Washington, and
the Declaration of Principles between DRC and M23 in Doha.
Second, the United Kingdom condemns the widespread killing of
civilians by the Rwanda-backed M23 in Rutshuru territory as well
as killings by ADF in Ituri province.
The scale of human rights abuses, including sexual violence, by
armed groups in eastern DRC is deeply concerning.
We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law
and to protect civilians.
The parties must comply with the ceasefires to which they have
committed.
Reported violations by both M23 and Wazalendo groups are deeply
concerning, as is the rise in inflammatory rhetoric by both
sides.
The UK urges the parties to show restraint, avoid further
escalation, and engage constructively in the peace process.
Third, President, the United Kingdom remains concerned by
restrictions imposed on MONUSCO's freedom of movement by
M23.
UN peacekeepers must be allowed to deliver the mandate agreed by
this Council.
We welcome news that supplies of fuel and water are no longer
being restricted.
We also welcome that some of MONUSCO's necessary troop rotations
have now taken place. This must be sustained.
To conclude, the United Kingdom strongly supports all efforts
towards peace in Eastern DRC.
We commend the ongoing efforts of US, Qatari and AU mediators and
facilitators.
We welcome the resumption of talks between DRC and M23.
The parties should now urgently and fully comply with the
commitments they have made to a ceasefire and the protection of
civilians.
The Security Council should remain seized of their
progress.
The full implementation of these agreements is critical to
delivering the sustainable peace and prosperity that the people
of DRC deserve.
