For a brief shining moment (after the death of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo), there was a glimmer of hope. But that positive atmosphere has “vanished,” according to Mary Robinson, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
In a video briefing from Kinshasa, Robinson addressed the 15-member United Nation Security Council today. Robinson reported that as conflicts raged in the Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan, the East Africa region has flared with renewed turbulence. This turbulence has been marked by three things: deadly attacks in eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) by the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) rebel group, the ongoing crisis in CAR, and the eruption of fighting in South Sudan.
Robinson said that the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement that was signed in February 2013 remained the “best chance” to achieve sustainable peace and development in the region.
“However, it is essential that the pace of its implementation be increased in order to maximize its impact,” she said of the accord.
The accord obligated the Congolese government to implement reforms and to take steps to establish state authority in the country’s east while mandating other countries in the region to not aid rebel groups operating in the DRC, Robinson explained. She called on the accord’s signatories to expedite implementation of national and regional commitments. Dialogue among the region’s leaders and confidence-building measures also were vital, she said.
Robinson the call by Martin Kobler to step up security sector reform. Kobler also called for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former M23 combatants, as well as enactment of cross-border economic initiatives to foster regional economic integration.
Martin Kobler is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO has been tasked by the UN Security Council to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel while supporting government-led efforts towards stabilization and peace consolidation
The situation at the DRC is now at a crucial juncture, Mrs. Robinson stressed. “However, what is most important for meaningful progress is the immediate implementation of all commitments at the national and regional levels in order to bring about concrete peace dividends and lasting life improvements to the people in the region,” she added.
Kobler also noted that peace in eastern DRC can only be durable if its root causes are addressed.
“Restitution of state authority alone is not enough,” Kobler said. “Only regional cooperation and good governance will provide the peace dividend the population is expecting.”
He cited the need for legalizing the current exploitation and trade of conflict minerals in order to substantially increase state revenues.
“Thus, Congo’s natural wealth will help finance the economic and social challenges of the country,” Kobler said. “Obviously, this has to be done in partnership with the government of the DRC and neighboring States, the private sector and with the assistance of the international community.
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